English
FrançaisFounded in 1934 by Abel Sempé, Maison Sempé is one of the historic names of Armagnac. Renowned for its Gascon eaux-de-vie, old vintages and generous style, the House embodies a classic, round and profound expression of Armagnac, shaped by tradition, patient ageing and the pleasure of sharing.
Maison Sempé — The Gascon soul of Armagnac
Founded in 1934 by Abel Sempé, Maison Sempé is one of the historic houses of Armagnac. Deeply rooted in Gascony, it has built its reputation on generous, mature and expressive eaux-de-vie, with a strong focus on old vintages.
Sempé embodies a classic and approachable Armagnac style, marked by roundness, aromatic depth and well-integrated oak warmth. The House selects and ages eaux-de-vie mainly from Gascon terroirs, with particular attention to maturity, balance and the character of each vintage.
Maison Sempé defends an Armagnac of tradition, conviviality and depth. Its eaux-de-vie favour roundness, dried fruit aromas, sweet spices and noble oak, with a warm and unmistakably Gascon personality.
History: a house founded by Abel Sempé
Abel Sempé founded his house in 1934 and gradually developed one of the emblematic names of Armagnac. A man of character, deeply attached to his region, he helped promote Gascon eaux-de-vie in France and abroad.
The House is particularly known for its carefully presented bottles, old blends and vintage Armagnacs. This culture of long ageing, essential to Armagnac, allows Sempé eaux-de-vie to develop rich, mellow and complex profiles.
Terroir and eaux-de-vie
Armagnac is one of France’s oldest wine-based spirits, produced in Gascony from white grape varieties destined for distillation. Eaux-de-vie from Bas-Armagnac are especially sought after for their finesse, fruit character and ageing potential.
At Sempé, the work is based on selecting, ageing and blending eaux-de-vie capable of expressing both Gascon warmth and the complexity of long maturation in oak. Old vintages form an important part of the House identity, offering a direct reading of a specific harvest year.
Expression of place: Gascony, Armagnac, Bas-Armagnac, wine-based eaux-de-vie, oak ageing, dried fruits, prune, sweet spices, fine rancio and long aromatic warmth.
Sempé signature: round, generous and expressive Armagnacs, combining maturity, depth, noble oak notes and Gascon charm.
Distillation and ageing: the patience of time
Armagnac is traditionally distilled and then aged for long periods in oak barrels. This maturation gives the spirit roundness, colour and complexity, while developing aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, spices, walnut, blond tobacco and precious wood.
Sempé Armagnacs follow this tradition of patient ageing. Older bottlings and the most sought-after vintages gain a remarkable patina over the years, as the initial strength of the spirit gives way to a softer texture and a deeper aromatic range.
Armagnac style
Sempé Armagnacs are defined by aromatic generosity, roundness and a warm character. They often evoke prune, dried apricot, fig, candied orange, vanilla, blond caramel, sweet spices, walnut, cocoa, blond tobacco and old polished wood.
On the palate, the style seeks balance between power, softness of texture and length. Old vintages offer a deeper, more mellow expression, with notes of rancio, dried fruits, old spices and a long, warm and persistent finish.
Iconic cuvées
Vintage Armagnacs: true signatures of the House, they express a specific harvest year and appeal to collectors through their individuality, patina and aromatic depth.
Hors d’Âge, XO and old blends: these cuvées highlight Sempé’s ageing and blending know-how, with round, spicy and generous profiles.
Very old vintages: sought after for anniversaries, birth-year gifts and special occasions, they offer a strong emotional dimension and a direct link to a particular year.
Ageing and gastronomic pairings
Old Armagnacs can be kept for a very long time in bottle, away from light and major temperature changes. Unlike wine, the spirit does not evolve in the same way once bottled, but it retains its balance and complexity over time.
In tasting or at the table, Sempé pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, walnut tart, crème brûlée, dried fruits, cigars, coffee, mature cheeses or simply a quiet moment after dinner. Old vintages are particularly suited to personalised gifts and special celebrations.
Country: France
Region: Gascony
Appellation: Armagnac
House: Sempé
Founder: Abel Sempé
Founded: 1934
Type: Armagnac merchant house
Specialities: old Armagnacs, blends, XO, Hors d’Âge, old vintages
Style: generous, round, deep and expressive Armagnacs, marked by dried fruits, sweet spices, noble oak and a long warm finish.
In summary: Maison Sempé embodies a historic and generous expression of Armagnac. Founded by Abel Sempé in 1934, it offers round, deep and warm Gascon eaux-de-vie, especially sought after in their old vintage expressions.
Dominant aromas: prune, dried apricot, fig, candied orange, vanilla, blond caramel, walnut, cocoa, blond tobacco, sweet spices, old polished wood and a long warm finish.
Current selection
Discover our selection of Sempé Armagnacs, available at World Web Wines according to arrivals, vintages, age of the eaux-de-vie, bottle condition and cuvée rarity.
