LaRoche-Vacquié
In 1986, Bruno & Sylvie Compagnon purchased LaRoche-Vacquié (also known as Domaine de Bacqué or Vacquié), which at that time was a prune and apple farm because the “phylloxera plague” had wiped out a vast majority of the vineyards in the area in the late 19th century. As other places had replanted and rebuilt, the sub region of Haut-Armagnac had transitioned into cereals and fruit orchards leaving the market empty of Haut Armagnac.
Although the family became one of the largest producers of Pruneaux d’Agen (prunes), the irreductible Bruno Compagnon decided to replant the vineyards of LaRoche-Vacquié in 1990 to revive Haut Armagnac which had disappeared from production, eventually returning the entire estate to its original plantation as a vineyard.
In 1997, the Minister of Agriculture bestowed the insignia of Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit (second in importance only to the Legion of Honor within the French order of precedence) to Bruno Compagnon for reintroducing Haut Armagnac. Since then, the family has carried on its traditions with dedication and respect for the exceptional terroirs and age-old savoir faire (know-how) of the property.
Terroir
LaRoche-Vacquié overlooks the historic town of Lectoure, which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Gascony. Since 2008, the Compagnons have converted the vineyards of LaRoche-Vacquié into a fully organic estate. In 2011, a solar farm was created allowing full sustainability. Today, the vineyard counts 25 hectares (62 acres) in production.
Soil: limestone with a thin layer of clay and chalky earth.
Vineyards: fully organic since 2008. Colombard and Ugni Blanc grapes.
Environmental Spotlight
After 20 years of intensive production of Pruneaux d’Agen (prunes), Bruno Compagnon realized that the fauna and flora of the estate were critically disintegrating and decided to act. He stopped using all pesticides on his plum trees. Recognizing the future of farming and the benefits to the land, he converted the entire estate to organic farming in 2008. He removed all the plum trees and after letting the land lie fallow for 3 years, earthworms, slugs, butterflies and birds began reappearing. Soil regeneration was just as impressive, with nitrogen making a big comeback which plays a major role in photosynthesis, a perfect bed for the vines to gain their full growth and development. Thus, almost no external biological input is used on the vineyard. Following this logic of sustainable development, a photovoltaic farm was created in 2011 allowing full energy autonomy.
All our Hauts Armagnacs are
From sustainable estate
No pesticide, naturally grown and solar energy.
From estate grown grapes
Ugni Blanc and Colombard varieties.
Distilled in small batch
For better control during distillation.
At cask strength
Not reduced or filtered meaning higher alc./vol. for more flavors and better conservation.
Single cask
Not assembled from different barrels.
Collectible
Sealed, labeled, dated and numbered by hand.