Vines have been grown in Gascony's temperate oceanic climate since Gallo-Roman times. (Armagnac refers to the ancient province of Armagnac).

The still was introduced to the region by the Arabs, and Armagnac is probably the oldest French brandy. In 1373, the "Bordeaux Privilege", which prohibited certain wines, including those from Gascony, from being sold before Christmas, reinforced the interest in distilling (and thus preserving) wine (the privilege did not apply to spirits). Trade with the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries further increased distillation.

The grapes, with a maximum yield of 120 hl/ha, must come from the region (Armagnac is an AOC). It is transformed into white wine, which is then distilled before the end of March. Stills are either Armagnac-type (continuous column distillation, often yielding between 50 and 60% alcohol) or simple repasse.

The resulting eau-de-vie is then matured in oak for many years for X.O. (Extra Old) or at least 10 years for "hors d'âge", but this can extend to 50 years.

The alcohol content cannot be less than 40%.

Armagnacs are generally blends, but some may be vintage according to an ancient custom common in the region (and thus made from a single year's harvest). In this case, they are generally sold at their natural degree of ageing (40 to 48%).

Once bottled, armagnac retains its age, as it no longer evolves. At most, once the bottle has been opened, if it is stored in a damp place, the armagnac will tend to become rounder, and in dry places, a little stronger in alcohol. The bottle should be stored vertically, so that the alcohol does not come into contact with the cork.
Armagnac is an artisanal product, produced in much smaller quantities than its cognac cousin.

From west to east, there are 3 zones of origin, which may appear on the label. The clay content of the soils, and therefore their capacity to retain water, increases in the same order, but rainfall is also lower. These are Bas Armagnac (fruity), Armagnac Ténarèze (powerful and full-bodied) and Haut Armagnac (very much in the minority).

When aged, Armagnac has aromas of cocoa, leather, tobacco, walnut, truffle, rancio, prune... Its color ranges from amber to mahogany.

But it can also be young (see other sheet).