Pineau des Charentes

If you’ve never tasted Pineau des Charentes then you have an absolute treat in store.

Pineau des Charentes, known to its fans just as pineau (pronounced the same as pinot), is a fortified wine from western France that’s made using brandy to produce an aperitif or dessert wine which is absolutely delicious.

I was introduced to pineau several years ago when my wife and I were planning a trip to Bordeaux and the area north of there. A Francophile friend of mine who knows his wine told us that while we were there, we absolutely had to try some Pineau des Charentes. He even recommended a chateau to visit, the Chateau de Beaulon, about an hour’s drive southwest of Cognac. We spent an hour or so there, and we both fell in love with pineau.

We’d never previously heard of the drink, which isn’t surprising as it’s hardly known, even in the rest of France, let alone overseas. However, it’s now starting to make inroads into the USA and elsewhere, with creative bartenders producing inventive cocktails to showcase this unique drink.

What is Pineau des Charentes?

Pineau is a fortified wine, like sherry or port, but because it’s made in western France it is fortified with the local spirit, brandy. The brandy used has usually been aged for one year, which means it doesn’t officially qualify as cognac though it still gives pineau a rich and delicious taste which – much as I love them both – sherry and port cannot match.

Pineau begins with either unfermented grape juice or lightly fermented grape must. This is then blended with the brandy and aged for at least a year in oak barrels. It sounds a simple process but there are so many variations of grape, brandy, blending, and the length of the aging process that pineau offers infinite variety while always being identifiably pineau.

The History of Pineau

Legend has it that pineau was created by accident. It goes back to 1589 when during the grape harvest a farmer put some grape must into a barrel which he thought was empty but actually contained some eau-de-vie. The barrel was stored away and not opened for a few years, but when it was finally opened they found this very tasty drink inside. Pineau had been born, and luckily for us in the future, they immediately set about making some more.

Types of Pineau des Charentes

Pineau comes in white, red, or rosé versions. White pineau mostly uses grapes like the Ugni Blanc (from which cognac is also made), Folle Blanche and Colombard, or sometimes Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc. It’s matured for at least 18 months, including eight months in oak barrels, and usually bottled at around 17% ABV (34 proof). If it’s matured for over five years it becomes vieux pineau (old pineau), and after ten years it becomes très vieux pineau (very old pineau).

The red and rosé varieties are usually made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot grapes, aged for at least 14 months, including eight months in oak barrels, and bottled at a similar strength.

You can chill the white and rosé versions, and some people even chill the red. Enjoy it in the same tulip glasses you would use for sherry,

So, What Does Pineau Taste Like?

Pineau’s taste is unique. It is undeniably sweet, though not usually quite as sweet as a sweet dessert wine. For that reason it can be drunk either before or after dinner, and also creates a superb dessert if poured over ice cream. You can also cook with it, and use it in cocktails. You can also enjoy it with your meal as it compliments dishes like paté, cheese, and spicy foods.

Sipping it neat, though, is the best way to experience pineau, although if you find it too strong it makes a refreshing long drink if you top it off with club soda. It has the sweet richness of honey, some fruity notes like peach and apricot, some berries, and a dash of spice like cinnamon or pepper to contrast. Every pineau is different, though, so dive in and try it.

Buying Pineau des Charentes

You can find several pineaux at Drizly.