Dispelling the Myths about Pineau des Charentes

Pineau des Charentes is a French fortified wine that is closely related to cognac but often overlooked and misunderstood. A potent and perfectly proportioned blend of grape juice and cognac aged in oak barrels, the two are linked in heritage and production.

Pineau des Charentes makers are first and foremost winemakers, but they also produce cognac, pulling the juice and cognac for this unique aperitif from the same vineyard.

Pineau des Charentes is at its core a fortified wine with a history deeply rooted in the Charente and Charente Maritime regions in the western part of France. The soil, climate, grape selection, and barrel choice contribute to creating a diverse aromatic palate, but the aging in oak barrels is what creates the greatest differences. A natural product, with no added flavors or sugars it boasts a refreshing quality. The thoughtful blend of grape juice and cognac is aged for at least 18th months and finer varieties, called vieux pineau, are aged for at least seven years. The very rare tres vieux pineau require an aging of 12 years or more and call for stringent quality and maturation standards.

One sip and any notion of “fortified wine” is dispelled; Pineau des Charentes is a spirit ripe for discovery. With a low alcohol content, it is not strong and easy to be enjoyed, as an aperitif, neat, over ice or the frontrunner for a new wave of lower abv cocktail creations.

The most found are white Pineau des Charentes. With a predominantly sweet palate highlighted by notes of peach, apricot, citrus and candied fruits, as it ages it becomes a generous and fruity indulgence with slight acidity that makes it the perfect cocktail. A red Pineau des Charentes bursts of forest fruits with notes of currant, raspberry, and blackcurrant while the lighter rosé has a softer palate of strawberry, candy, and antique rose. The sweet undertones are a great pairing to spices, making way for a crafted cocktail that is balanced and bold with a hint of bitterness.

Whatever the hue of Pineau des Charentes, this spirit’s future is bright, bold, and varied as the creativity of any bartender’s curiosity and imagination.

Dispelling the Myths and Misconceptions of Pineau des Charentes:

Myth: It’s strong—Truth is it has an alcohol content of 17%, a bit higher than regular wine but much lower than spirits.

Myth: It’s a spirit—No, it’s a wine.

Myth: It’s sweet—Yes, of course, but it has a refreshing quality and always maintains a touch of acidity. Its sugars solely come from grapes, with no additives.