The Domain
Derived from the old Gascon phrase for "beautiful fountain", the estate's name pays tribute to its beautifully restored fountain and its natural spring, renowned since time immemorial for its exceptional purity. Settled on clay-limestone terroirs, boulbènes, and tawny sands within the commune of Castelnau d’Auzan, Domaine de Hontambère perpetuates the values and craftsmanship of the most iconic producers of the Ténarèze appellation.
A vineyard composed of the four main traditional grape varieties—Ugni-Blanc, Baco, Colombard, and Folle Blanche—combined with meticulous care in the vines, a high-quality terroir, a century-old alembic still, and above all, unwavering attention to every single detail!
It is in this precise spirit that the estate honors tradition, dedicated to crafting and perfecting exceptional eaux-de-vie.
Terroirs and Grape Varieties
The Ténarèze region is celebrated for producing complex, deeply structured eaux-de-vie. Baco, Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard: these distinct grape varieties grant us access to an infinitely vast aromatic palette.
At Hontambère, most of our vintages are crafted from either Baco or Ugni Blanc. Baco yields round, smooth eaux-de-vie with rich ripe fruit aromas, exceptionally suited for long aging, while Ugni Blanc brings immense finesse underscored by delicate floral notes.
Vinification
The estate’s "Inertis" pneumatic press ensures that the aromatic integrity of each grape variety is fully preserved. Once pressed, the grape juice undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation, enhanced by careful work with the fine lees. The wine is then kept cold in our temperature-regulated cellar, waiting patiently for the distillation phase.
Distillation
Domaine de Hontambère boasts its very own century-old Armagnac copper alembic still. Distilled separately and at a high proof, the concentrated eaux-de-vie beautifully retain all of their distinctive aromatic characteristics.
Aging
Carefully selected by our cellar master Sylvain, these precious, cask-strength ("brut de fût") elixirs are bottled directly by us to preserve the unique identity of every single barrel. No color adjustment, no alcohol proof alterations, no added caramel, sugar, or water, and absolutely no filtration or reduction.
A noble spirit steeped in over 700 years of history—pure, natural, and unadulterated—whose true identity and authenticity have been meticulously safeguarded.
