In the 16Ith century a winemaker, during harvest, inadvertendly poured grape must into a Cognac brandy barrel.  Raging against his own blunder, he garaged the useless barrel in a corner of his wine storehouse. The barrel was left there for a few years, until an abundant harvest required all available containers.  At the time of throwing the contents, the winemaker was much astonished to discover this marvellous liquid, limpid, sunny like the country of Charentes. The Pineau des Charentes had been born. 

Blanc or rosé, it is an invaluable mixture of  fresh, natural grape juice, and of Cognac. It is a high-class aperitif and dessert wine, of Appellation contrôlée.