Bas-Armagnac, Montreur d'ours, Domaine de Tariquet

The brilliant and innovative Yves Grassa has been at the forefront of modernising his family business which was founded in 1912. It was his father Pierre, originally from Spain, who laid the foundations for what is now the largest independent viticultural estate in France, with over 1000 hectares. Yves’ stroke of genius was to make table wine from grapes destined for distillation into Armagnac when sales of the latter had fallen, taking advantage of new vin de pays provisions to introduce a host of popular new grape varieties including chardonnay, sauvignon and semillon.

At their property, Château du Tariquet, Grassa specialise in whistle-clean, aromatic and fruity whites and rosés, designed to be drunk young. The Society first bought Côtes de Gascogne from Grassa in the early 1980s and was one of the first to ship this wine to the UK. It has since become a perennial own-label favourite with members as an all-round party wine for any occasion. The more recent Voil’à, range, with screwcap closures and lower alcohol levels, are perfect picnic wines.

Of course, the Grassas have not abandoned making Armagnac at all and produce a selection of distillations that do the region proud at all levels, including aged examples that are perfect gifts for birthdays.

More recently Yves has given charge of the French business over to his sons Rémi and Armin and is working on creating a new vineyard in Romania. That too could be something to watch!