In a new release, this vibrant, next-gen Armagnac takes its name from 2 things. A: the phylloxera-resistant Baco hybrid developed at the turn of the twentieth century and B: the fact that it makes a stand against those forces that would diminish Baco plantings in the region. Until the late 1970s, Baco remained the prime ingredient in Armagnac and while Ugni Blanc holds that position today, this variety—now exclusive to Armagnac country—has played an important role in the region’s identity; a role that Cyril Laballe wanted to commemorate with Résistance. So, made from 100% Baco grapes, in consultation with the trade, this unique bottling took three years to get just right and consists of a blend of three Armagnacs distilled in 2009, 2010 and 2012. The three eaux de vie spent their first year after distillation in the new 410-litre Chêne Noir Gascon barrels from Bartholomo (the last barrel maker in the Landes region) to develop texture and sweetness, and then the rest of aging in older barrels, bringing more earthy and savoury notes.