Pineau There are no products in this category.

Pineau des Charentes – yesterday and todayViticulture in the Charentes region of France dates back to Roman times. The first vineyards were planted in the Saintonge, and later spread southwards to the Aunis and Angoulême regions. The town of Cognac and the many ports along the Charente river became centres of the local wine trade.Although nobody knows exactly how Pineau des Charentes came into being, legend has it that this was due to a fortuitous accident.In 1589 – the year of Henri IV’s coronation – a winegrower is said to have mistakenly poured grape must into a barrel of Cognac.A few years later, when he needed to use the barrel for a particularly large crop, he discovered a pure, marvellous new drink.Pineau des Charentes was born.For over four centuries, the winegrowers who make Pineau des Charentes have maintained high standards for this unique product.

Subcategories

White
Grape varieties: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Montils, Meslier Saint-François, Jurançon Blanc, Merlot Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet FrancAgeing: Minimum 18 months (12 months in barrel)Alcoholic degree: 16-22% by volumeAppearance: Ranging from pale yellow to a dark golden colour, with thick legsBouquet: Rich, elegant, and very complex, with overtones of lime-blossoms, vine flowers, peaches, plums and figs, accompanied by hints of almonds, prunes, quince jelly, vanilla, and honeyPalate: Fresh and delicious, white Pineau is full-bodied and generous, with a lovely concentrated flavour. This is a refined, delicate wine.
Red and Rosé
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and MerlotAgeing: 14 months, including at least 8 months in oak barrelsAlcoholic degree: 16-22 % by volumeColour: Varying from pink to deep red, with mahogany, copper, and brown highlightsBouquet: Rosé Pineau des Charentes has a light, fresh, and fruity bouquet with elegant raspberry and cherry aromas. Red Pineau has a concentrated, rich nose with hints of ripe fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, and morello cherries) accompanied by a touch of spice (cinnamon), liquorice, and vanilla.Palate: Very smooth, full-bodied, and powerful with red fruit flavours and a fine, long aftertaste
Très vieux
Vieux