Dartigalongue XO Armagnac 750ML

Dartigalongue XO Armagnac 750ML is a Bas-Armagnac blend aged a minimum of ten years, bottled at 40% ABV. Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this expression comes from one of the oldest continuously operating Armagnac houses, established in 1838 in Nogaro, Gascony.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France  |  Minimum 10 Years Old  |  Distillery: Dartigalongue (est. 1838)

Production & Heritage

The Dartigalongue house has been producing Armagnac in Nogaro, deep in the Bas-Armagnac sub-region, for nearly two centuries. The XO is distilled once through a traditional continuous Armagnac alambic — a column still — at 58% ABV, a method designed to preserve maximum aromatic complexity from a blend of three grape varietals: Ugni Blanc for fruit character, Baco 22A for structure and smoothness, and Folle Blanche for elegance and floral lift. What distinguishes this bottling from many competitors is its maturation in predominantly Gascon oak (approximately 90% Gascogne oak rather than the more common Limousin oak), which imparts spicier, more robust tannins and contributes to a distinctly full-bodied profile. The minimum ten-year aging period also exceeds the six-year regulatory minimum for XO Armagnac designation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with almond paste and ripe stone fruit before giving way to vanilla and a subtle honeyed sweetness. Gentle dried plum and tropical fruit notes develop with time in the glass.

Taste: The palate entry is buttery and rounded, with dried plum and apricot meeting candied ginger at the midpoint. As the spirit opens up, walnut, light caramel, and vanilla emerge, framed by warm Gascon oak spice that adds depth without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: The finish is long and warming, anchored by clove, cardamom, and a thread of cinnamon that fades slowly into maple-butter sweetness. A trace of dried fruit lingers well after the final sip.

How to Drink Dartigalongue XO

At ten-plus years of age, this Armagnac rewards neat sipping in a tulip glass at room temperature; a few drops of water can open up the more delicate tropical fruit and floral elements. Its richness and spice also make it a compelling cocktail base. A Sidecar benefits from the dried plum and vanilla backbone, creating a more nuanced version of the classic. A Vieux Carré gains depth from the Gascon oak spice and buttery texture. An Armagnac Old Fashioned built with a touch of honey syrup and Angostura bitters showcases the spirit's natural caramel and clove character.

Best For

• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cheese course
• Gifting a brandy enthusiast exploring alternatives to Cognac
• Building a home spirits collection with historically significant producers
• Cocktail experimentation for bartenders seeking aged Armagnac depth

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dartigalongue XO taste like? Dartigalongue XO delivers a buttery, fruit-forward palate dominated by dried plum, apricot, and vanilla, finishing with warm baking spices like clove and cardamom. The Gascon oak aging contributes a distinctive spicy richness not always found in other Armagnacs.

How does Dartigalongue XO compare to Delord XO Armagnac? Both are well-regarded Bas-Armagnac XO expressions at comparable price points, but Dartigalongue leans heavier on Gascon oak maturation (roughly 90%), which tends to yield spicier, more full-bodied results. Delord XO is often described as slightly lighter and more fruit-forward in contrast.

Is Dartigalongue XO good for sipping neat? With a minimum of ten years in barrel and a 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, this is an excellent neat-sipping Armagnac that rewards slow, contemplative drinking at room temperature.

Where is Dartigalongue XO made? Dartigalongue XO is produced in Nogaro, located in the Bas-Armagnac sub-region of Gascony in southwestern France. Bas-Armagnac is widely considered the most prized terroir for Armagnac production.

What foods pair well with Dartigalongue XO? Aged Comté or Roquefort cheese highlights the spirit's nutty, buttery qualities. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors its clove and dried-fruit notes. Tarte Tatin or apple-based desserts complement the vanilla and caramel flavors. Foie gras provides a classic Gascon pairing, while roasted walnuts echo the nuttiness found on the mid-palate.

What sizes does Dartigalongue XO come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Dartigalongue XO worth the price? Dartigalongue XO positions as a mid-range premium Armagnac, and its ten-year minimum age, distinguished 94-point Wine Enthusiast score, and nearly two centuries of house history represent strong value for the category.

Why Dartigalongue XO?

Few Armagnac houses can claim an unbroken production lineage stretching back to 1838, and that heritage is reflected in the quality of this XO blend. The deliberate choice to age predominantly in Gascon oak rather than Limousin sets the flavor profile apart from many peers, delivering a spicier, more structurally complex spirit. A 94-point Wine Enthusiast score confirms what the production method suggests: this is a serious Bas-Armagnac that over-delivers against its XO designation by aging a minimum of ten years. For drinkers curious about what lies beyond Cognac, Dartigalongue XO is one of the most historically grounded and flavor-distinct entry points into the Armagnac world.