What is Pineau des Charentes drink?
Cognac is distilled from grapes, and Pineau des Charentes is a blend of that region’s grape juice, and the Cognac brandy itself. The result, at around 17 percent ABV, is just a little boozier than wine. It’s sweet, but in a natural, juicy way, with a strong vanilla-fruit character.
What is Pineau made from?
It is a fortified wine (mistelle or vin de liqueur), made from either fresh, unfermented grape juice or a blend of lightly fermented grape must, to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured. Pineau is also found as a home-made product in the neighbouring Deux-Sèvres and Vendée départements.
When should I drink Pineau?
Younger Pineau may be enjoyed more as an aperitif whereas aged Pineau can function as an accompaniment post-dinner. While the first sip of Pineau is lively and reviving, the second gives a sweetness and aromas like nuts, vanilla and honey that fully envelops the palate.
Is Pineau des Charentes a brandy?
Pineau des Charente is a Brandy That is Almost a Cognac.
The eaux-de-vie and grape juice mixture is then aged in French oak barrels for at least 18 months. If the mixture is barrel aged for five years, the Pineau can earn the designation of vieux (old) and if for ten years, tres vieux (very old).
Is Pineau similar to sherry?
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.
What does Pineau mean in French?
French: topographic name from a diminutive of pin ‘pine’ (see Pin ) or a habitational name from (Le) Pineau the name of several places in the western part of France of the same origin.
What does Pineau mean in English?
Noun. pineau. An alcoholic drink made from unfermented grape juice and cognac.
How do you make Pineau?
Pineau des Charentes is a vin de liqueur, or fortified wine, which is made by blending around a quarter of Cognac with three quarters of grape must or freshly squeeze grape juice. It can come as a white, red or rosé, has an alcohol content of around 17% and is categorised by age in a similar fashion to Cognac.