Armagnac...a slow drink !

Do you know Slow Food? Founded in 1989 by Carlo Petrini, this international organisation has been promoting the consumption of local foods and tourism that respect the environment thanks to a network of associations around the world.  Over the last few years, Slow Food has seen greater enthusiasm and growth than ever before !

It is completely natural and understandable that the Slow Food movement has been well accepted by the Gascons who are so attached to the preservation of their land and gastronomic heritage. In the region, the old breeds such as the Mirandaise cows, the Porc Noir de Bigorre pigs, the black chickens, les Poules Noires from Astrarac and the Bœuf Nacré Gascon beef, are the subject of conservation projects. Moreover, Labastide d’Armagnac has often hosted the Terra Madre Day – an event that promotes the local products, highlighting their production and a sustainable agriculture – and since 2011, two communities in Gascony, Mirande in the Gers and Labastide d’Armagnac in the Landes joined the Cittaslow movement. This distinction, awarded by Slow Food, groups together towns that emphasise ‘good, clean and fair’: good products, well made and a slower pace of life.    

The famous Gascon eau-de-vie is no different, as Slow Food is also a partner of the « Armagnac en Fête » weekend in Labastide d’Armagnac.  This event marks the opening of the distillation season and celebrates Armagnac, a local artisanal and craft spirit by excellence!

Conviviality, respect for the land and man are at the heart and essence of Slow Food: the extent of this movement in Armagnac is obvious as these values have always been part of the identity of the region.