<P> Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Armagnac was traded on the markets of Saint - Sever, Mont - de-Marsan, and Aire - sur - l'Adour . Subsequently, Dutch merchants began promoting the trade more widely . </P> <P> The traditional French gourmet dish ortolan has traditionally been prepared by force - feeding an ortolan bunting before drowning it in Armagnac and roasting it . The dish is now legally prohibited due to laws protecting the bird . </P> <P> The Armagnac region lies between the Adour and Garonne rivers in the foothills of the Pyrenees . The region was granted AOC status in 1936 . The official production area is divided into three districts that lie in the departements of Gers, Landes, and Lot - et - Garonne . The region contains 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of grape - producing vines . The Fallières Decree of 25 May 1909 describes the three districts: </P> <Ul> <Li> Bas - Armagnac </Li> <Li> Armagnac - Ténarèze </Li> <Li> Haut - Armagnac </Li> </Ul>

French brandy produced outside of cognac or armagnac is know as