Pineau des Charentes

Cognac lovers will adore an aperitif called Pineau des Charentes made from the famous brandy. It is produced by combining three parts fresh grape juice with one part Cognac. Although red and rosé versions exist, I believe the white is truest to the spirit because it utilizes the exact same grapes overall that are used in Cognac (Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard). It is aged for at least eighteen months in oak and is usually two years old when bottled and about 17% alcohol by volume. Pale yellow to golden in colour, it’s slightly sweet and reminiscent of apples, nuts, flower, herbs and sometimes oak if longer in barrel. Great in cocktails and grand with foie gras, fresh ripe fruit, desserts, nuts and stinky cheese!

Courtesy Factor

Ever taste wine in the presence of its winemaker, not like it, and have to provide your opinion to him/her when asked? It’s a sticky predicament for sure. You could simply lie and say you liked it, but if you choose to be honest, you’ve got to be careful, you don’t want to insult the person who so graciously is letting you sample his/her creation.  Considering that a winemaker’s wines are like his/her children, it’s difficult to say you don’t like one of them. What to do? Unless you are an expert and can provide constructive criticism about the wine, it’s probably best to simply say that the style doesn’t appeal to you or it’s not your cup of tea. Whichever approach you take, be kind. This is known as the “courtesy factor”.