Chateau d’Orignac, Pineau des Charentes

Pineau des Charentes is an aperitif wine and though made elsewhere is France is a particular speciality of Charentes. It is made by blending partially-fermented wine with an eaxu-de-vie, which in Charentes is of course Cognac. The resulting fortified wine is then aged in oak barrels and should be served cool, around 10 deg.C.

Chateau d’Orignac is one of the best if not the best producer of Pineau. Their particular characteristic is the wonderful balance between fruit, acid and alcohol, which is quite outstanding. All the components of the wine are cultivated, harvested, vinified, elaborated, aged and bottled at the Chateau. The grape varieties are 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, which are red, but because the contact time of the skins with the wine is only short they do not impart much colour to the wine. Instead the deep orange colour comes from ageing the wine patiently, at least five years, in 225 litre French oak casks in the chateau’s cellars. The result is a remarkable wine, in the style of port, though somewhat sweeter, softer and fresher. And for all the work that goes in to producing it, this pineau is also exceptionally well-priced.

Winemaker Yvan Meyer gives the following tasting notes:

Beautiful amber color with golden tints, it offers a powerful aromatic nose, with subtle hints of ripe yellow fruits like apricot, honey and raisins, spice and flowers, oranges. It is pleasantly sweet and refreshing with a great harmony between grape flavours and Cognac aromas. Intense, elegant and distinguished, this Pineau is the inimitable meeting of roundness and elegance that makes it one of the most famous ambassadors of its appellation.

Always served chilled, the Pineau d’Orignac is not only delicious as an aperitif ; it is also excellent with meals and desserts and very good with cheese too.