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Tag: Pineau

Why Rosé Pineau is the Perfect Festive Drink

Posted / in News and tagged , , , ,

The festive season is a time to celebrate, and what better way to toast the holidays than with a glass of Bertrand Pineau des Charentes Rosé? This lesser-known fortified wine from France’s Cognac region is a hidden gem, offering an elegant and unique drinking experience. But what exactly is Pineau des Charentes, and why does it deserve a place at your Christmas table?

What is Pineau des Charentes?

Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made by blending freshly pressed grape juice with young Cognac eau-de-vie. This mixture is then aged in oak barrels for several years, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully. Originating in the Charente region of France, Pineau is protected by an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status, ensuring high-quality production standards.

With its origins rooted in history, Pineau is said to have been discovered accidentally in the 16th century when a winemaker inadvertently mixed unfermented grape juice with Cognac. The result was a delightful, sweet, and aromatic drink that remains popular in France but is still gaining recognition internationally.

The Production Process

The crafting of Pineau begins during the grape harvest when the juice is extracted from freshly pressed grapes. This juice is blended with Cognac eau-de-vie that is at least one year old. The high alcohol content of the Cognac stops the fermentation of the grape juice, preserving its natural sweetness and fruity character.

The blend is then transferred to oak barrels, where it ages for a minimum of 18 months, though many producers allow it to mature much longer. This ageing process imparts complexity, softens the flavours, and enhances the aromatic qualities of the Pineau.

Bertrand Pineau des Charentes Rosé

The Bertrand Pineau des Charentes Rosé is a standout example of this style. Aged for five years, it boasts a deep rosé hue and vibrant flavours of red berries, cherries, and subtle floral notes. Its smooth sweetness is balanced by the refined structure imparted by the Cognac, making it an exceptional drink for any occasion.

This Pineau is perfect for festive celebrations:

  • As an Aperitif: Serve it chilled to awaken the palate before a meal.
  • With Desserts: Its fruity notes complement festive treats like mince pies, fruit tarts, or chocolate puddings.
  • On Its Own: Enjoy its elegance in a glass as a celebratory toast.

Why Pineau is Perfect for Christmas

The versatility and festive appeal of Pineau make it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. Its light sweetness and fruity profile make it approachable for all palates, while its connection to Cognac adds a touch of luxury. Whether you’re gifting a bottle to a loved one or sharing it with guests, Pineau offers a delightful alternative to traditional holiday beverages.

A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

Pineau des Charentes is still relatively unknown outside France, but it’s a drink that deserves to be on your radar. The Bertrand Pineau des Charentes Rosé is a testament to its charm, offering a taste of craftsmanship, history, and festive cheer in every sip.

This Christmas, raise a glass to tradition and discovery with Pineau – a drink that’s as special as the season itself.

Discovering the Charm of Pineau des Charentes

Posted / in Recipes and tagged , , ,

Pineau des Charentes, a unique fortified wine, blends freshly pressed grape juice with Cognac and hails from the heart of the Cognac region in France. This distinctive drink, available in white, red, and rosé varieties, offers a range of flavours influenced by its age. Younger Pineau is known for its fresh, fruity character, while older versions present more complex notes of dried fruit, nuts, and rich, concentrated flavours. The drink’s versatility makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether enjoyed as an aperitif, a dessert wine, or a delightful base for summer cocktails.

Protected under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1945, Pineau des Charentes benefits from the expertise of generations of Cognac cellar masters. The drink’s production is deeply rooted in tradition, with a careful balance of 25% Cognac ‘eau de vie’ and 75% grape juice, aged in oak barrels. The result is a spirited wine that captures the essence of the Cognac region. It’s a versatile drink that pairs exceptionally well with various dishes, from seafood and white meats to rich desserts like chocolate and blue cheeses. Pineau’s lightness and modest alcohol content of around 17% make it a great choice for both before and after a meal.

As we embrace the summer season, Pineau des Charentes shines as a refreshing and elegant option for outdoor gatherings. Its light, fruity profile is perfect for warm evenings spent with friends and family. The Château Montifaud Pineau des Charentes White 4YO, in particular, is an excellent representation of this style, offering a taste that is both sophisticated and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to Pineau, this product is sure to impress.

For those looking to explore Pineau des Charentes in a new way, we recommend trying the Pineaujito—a summer cocktail that swaps rum for Pineau, adding a unique twist to a classic recipe:

  1. Crush 8 fresh mint leaves in a tall glass.
  2. Add 6 pieces of lime.
  3. Mix in 4 teaspoons of brown sugar (or 12 teaspoons of cane sugar).
  4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  5. Pour in 60 ml of Château Montifaud Pineau des Charentes White 4YO
  6. Stir well and top with sparkling water.
  7. Garnish with a mint leaf.

This cocktail not only highlights the fresh, fruity notes of Pineau but also offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional summer drinks. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the unique qualities of Pineau des Charentes while celebrating the warm weather.

At Brandyclassics, we are proud to feature the Château Montifaud Pineau des Charentes White 4YO in our selection. This Pineau is a beautiful representation of the tradition and expertise that define the Cognac region. To add this delightful drink to your collection and make the most of your summer, visit our product page.

Mother’s Day 2020 – Sunday 22nd March

Posted / in Brandy Bottle Reviews, News and tagged , , ,

Mother's Day 2020Wondering what to buy for Mother’s Day 2020?  We have a unique selection of brandies and dessert wines to suit every Mum ….

Dupont Dream Calvados Cream with a deliciously clean apple flavour.  If she likes cream liqueurs she will love this!

Grappa Torcolato is a beautiful looking addition to any drink’s cabinet.  Perfect as an after dinner ‘digestive’ or add to expresso coffee to create a ‘caffè corretto’.

Chateau de Beaulon 2000 Pineau des Charentes was created 20 years ago. Delicious and rich it’s perfect on its own or as a dessert wine.

La Grande Josiane, orange armagnac liqueur, serve as an aperitif over ice or mix with sparkling wine for an extra special treat.

Enjoying Pineau des Charentes This Summer

Posted in Brandy Bottle Reviews, News and tagged ,

Pineau des CharentesPineau des Charentes is a combination of freshly pressed grape juice and cognac. It comes in two colours, white and red (sometimes known as rosé) and as with cognac, the flavour is affected by its age.  Young Pineau is fruity and light whilst older Pineau offers more complex and concentrated flavours with distinctive fresh fruit tones morphing into dried fruit and nuts.  Produced exclusively in France’s Cognac region, it has been protected under AOC status since 1945.  As a result, this spirited wine benefits from the long-standing expertise and historical know-how of Cognac cellar-masters.  It is unique with its aromatic palette and versatility.  Wine drinkers are seduced by white Pineau’s balanced profile, while others prefer the generosity of red. Both are food-friendly and pair perfectly with savoury dishes such as fish, white meats or seafood.  Pineau’s lightness and alcohol content of 17%, also make it suitable as a digestive or aperitif.  While some relish old reds that pair beautifully with chocolate, light cheese, and coffee, others fall for aged whites as great partners of blue cheeses. Alternatively, when summer has arrived, it can be enjoyed at any time as a long, refreshing cocktail such as Pineau Royale or Pinojito.

Pineau Royale

Posted / in Cocktails and tagged

Widely used as an introduction drink at parties and more formal celebrations, Pineau Royale is also a delight on a hot sunny day.

To Make:

Take half a bottle of Pineau and half a bottle of sparkling mineral water, mix in a jug with the juice of 3 lemons and about 50cl of Hermitage Provenance 10 Grande Champagne cognac, add lots of ice and stir.

Serve with slices of lemon in a highball glass.

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