Pineau des Charentes French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Pineau des Charentes is a traditional French aperitif wine from the Cognac region, made by blending fresh grape juice with young Cognac and ageing it in oak, giving a sweet, fruity and smooth drink.
More info about Pineau des Charentes
Geographic position
Western France, in the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments, across the same area as Cognac, between the Atlantic coast, Cognac, Jarnac and Saintes.
Origin & history
Local legend says that in 1589 a winegrower accidentally poured grape must into a barrel that still contained Cognac; years later he discovered a delicious new drink. Pineau des Charentes became one of the first French fortified wines to receive AOC status, in 1945.
Wines & grape varieties
White, rosé and red styles, about 17% alcohol, aged at least 18 months in oak (12 for rosé). Whites use Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Montils, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc; reds and rosés use Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect honey, apricot, raisin, vanilla and nutty notes in whites, red berries and plum in rosés; older Vieux and Très Vieux versions are aged 5 and 10 years.
Climate & soil
Mild oceanic climate. Chalky limestone and clay soils, the same as Cognac.
Wine region: Cognac
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colombard, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc