Sales of armagnac grew with 18 % within France and 10.8% (in value) on the export market over the period from January to October 2008. This compares to the total spirits market in France that fell by 4.5% over the same period. Armagnac is a spirit that comes from the south-west of France, from Gascony. It is often compared to cognac; both are made from distilling wine, but contrary to cognac armagnac is often bottled with a specific vintage and producer on the label.