Maître de Chai
Bernard Penne
1955 - 1973
Jean-Claude Dallas
1973 - 2013
Eric Durand
2013 - today
Continuity
Continuity of expertise has played a central role in the house’s production practices. Since 1955, only three maîtres de chai (cellar masters) have been responsible for overseeing the maturation, blending, and quality management of the Armagnacs, ensuring the transmission of institutional knowledge and established production methods across generations.
The maître de chai supervises ageing processes, maintains the stylistic consistency of the house, and directs blending decisions in accordance with defined production standards.
The position has been held by Bernard Penne from 1955 to 1973, followed by his son-in-law Jean-Claude Dallas, who served from 1973 to 2013. In 2013, Eric Durand succeeded Jean-Claude Dallas and continues to serve as maître de chai today.
