On a site where the land and the ocean meet to create an ideal atmosphere for vine, the vineyards stretch on the limestone slopes of the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions. Here, the grapes are nourished by the sun and by the rains coming from the Atlantic Ocean.

1589: The Pineau... by accident
It is in these lands that the Pineau des Charentes saw the light.
Legend has it that the Pineau is not only the fruit of the vine but also of a stroke of luck. In 1589, a winegrower poured by mistake some grape must (unfermented grape juice) in a barrel that contained some brandy.
A few years later, during a rich harvest, as he needed an extra barrel, he found this precious barrel and discovered a clear and wonderful beverage.

The Pineau des Charentes was born. Ever since, for the past 4 centuries, the winegrowers of Charentes strive to respect the traditions inherited from generation to generation.

The Pineau comes in 2 types, the White and the Rosé. The grape varieties used to make the White Pineau rich with its flowery aromas are: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard, Semillon, Sauvignon and Montils. The particularly fruity nectar of the Pineau Rosé is acquired by ripening of the red grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon et Malbec, and Merlot et Malbec.

After many years of aging in oak barrels, the Pineau of Charentes reaches its perfect balance. However it can not be marketed until authorized by the "Commission de Dégustation" under the control of the INAO (Institut National des Appellations d'Origine).

With the sympathic wines of Charente (Grande and Petite Champagne, Cognac-Segonzac or Les Fins Bois) and the prestigious brandies as Cognac or others one around Jonzac, Poitou is very promising.

So you can sample here some goat cheeses : Bougon, Motte-Saint-Héray, Sèvre-et-Belle, Soignon...

Or oysters if you prefer (first producer at Marennes).