Is Pineau des Charentes a sweet wine?

Despite its sweetness, Pineau is never cloying due to a well-balanced combination of acidity and alcohol; it never clocks in at much more than 17% ABV (which is only a slighter higher alcohol level than most wines).

Is Pineau des Charentes a fortified wine?

Thus, though it’s easiest to liken Pineau des Charentes to a fortified wine, it’s technically just fortified, unfermented grape must. Officially established in 1945, Pineau des Charentes AOC vin de liqueurs are most commonly made from white grapes, though producers may use red grapes to make a rosé or red style, too.

What is Pineau des Charentes blanc?

Pineau Des Charentes is technically not a wine but a sweet aperitif from the Cognac region of France. It is made by blending unfermented grape juice with Cognac to achieve a blend that approximates a fortified wine in alcoholic strength and sweetness.

How do you drink Pineau de Charentes?

How to serve Pineau des Charentes. While it is tempting to drink Pineau des Charentes round the clock, it’s best to limit consumption, as the French do, serving it as a chilled apéritif or with pudding. Drink it chilled or poured over ice.

Does Pineau des Charentes go bad?

The aging of Pineau. The wines used to make Pineau des Charentes are aged, in barrels, for between one-and-a-half to three years with exceptional wines aging for five or ten years or even longer.

What is the best Pineau des Charentes?

Four Pineau des Charentes to Try

• Pierre Ferrand White Pineau des Charentes. Cognac producers are unsurprisingly making some of the best Pineau des Charentes.
• Navarre Vieux Pineau des Charentes.
• Maison Prunier Pineau des Charentes Rouge.
• Paul-Marie et Fils Très Vieux Pineau des Charentes.

What does Pineau des Charentes taste like?

The taste is predominantly sweet, but is balanced by both acidity and the increased level of alcohol. Finer varieties are aged for over 5 years in barrel, and often for several decades. After 5 years, it is called vieux pineau, and if barrel aged for more than 10 years, très vieux pineau.

What goes with Pineau des Charentes?

Wine drinkers will be seduced by white Pineau des Charentes’ balanced profile, while others will prefer the generosity of red Pineau des Charentes. Both are food-friendly and pair perfectly with savory dishes such as fish, white meats or seafood, cheeses and desserts.

How long does Pineau des Charentes Keep unopened?

The mixture is aged for at least 18 months, including a minimum of 8 months in oak barrels. It is typically two years old when bottled.

How long does Rose wine last unopened?

about three years
Rosé Wine: As with sparkling wine, rosé can last about three years unopened. Red Wine: These dark-colored wines can last 2-3 years beyond the expiration date.

When should I drink Pineau?

While it is tempting to drink Pineau des Charentes round the clock, it’s best to limit consumption, as the French do, serving it as a chilled apéritif or with pudding.

What is Pineau de Charentes made from?

The dominant white variety of pineau is made using the grapes Ugni blanc, Folle blanche and Colombard, with occasional Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc and Montils. The mixture is aged for at least 18 months, including a minimum of 8 months in oak barrels. It is typically two years old when bottled.