Fortified sweet
„Pineau des Charentes“ yra regioninis vakarų Prancūzijos aperityvas, gaminamas Šarantos, Pajūrio Šarantos ir Dordonės departamentuose. Nors populiarus savo gamybos regione, jis mažiau žinomas kituose Prancūzijos regionuose ir šiek tiek neįprastas užsienyje. Pineau yra "likerinis vynas", saldus, pastiprintas prancūziškas vynas, maišytas su konjaku.
Šis gėrimas pasižymi šilta gintarine spalva, atspindinčia ilgą brandinimą ąžuolo statinėse. Aromatuose dominuoja riešutų, medaus ir slyvų natos. Skonis sodrus, išsiskiria subtiliomis ąžuolo natomis.
It is an authentic aperitif from the Charente region, made from fresh grape juice and Cognac eau-de-vie, aged in oak barrels far longer than the AOC regulations require. The family-owned estate, certified to the highest HVE3 sustainable farming standard, cultivates 40 hectares of vineyards, the majority of which lie in the prestigious Grande Champagne zone.
The Blanc version, made from Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes, delights with its golden color and aromas of honey, figs, plums, and delicate oak notes. The palate is balanced – fruity, gently sweet, with a long and silky finish. The Rouge version offers an abundance of cherry and plum aromas, complemented by spicy nuances, while the taste is smooth, with concentrated fruit and a fresh finish.
Produced using the traditional “mutage” method – grape juice and Cognac eau-de-vie are blended on the same day, after which the drink is aged for at least five years in oak barrels.
Recommended to be served at 8–10 °C as an aperitif, with desserts, melon, or with cheese and chocolate (Rouge). It is an elegant, aromatic, and balanced drink that perfectly reflects the tradition of Pineau des Charentes.
Domaine Drouet – a prestigious, family-owned estate located in the heart of the Cognac region, renowned not only for its authentic production style but also for its meticulous attention to every detail – from grape origin to the distillation process. Founded in the 19th century, the estate continues a multi-generational tradition, harmoniously blending heritage with modern practices. Domaine Drouet is guided by a clear vision: to craft top-quality cognac that expresses both the character of its terroir and the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Production Philosophy
The estate encompasses 40 hectares of vineyards in two of Cognac’s most prestigious crus: 70% in Grande Champagne and 30% in Petite Champagne. This enables the creation of refined, structured cognac with outstanding aging potential. Sustainable viticulture is practiced across all vineyards – with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides – to preserve soil vitality and grape quality. Only hand-harvested ‘Ugni Blanc’ grapes are used, valued for their natural acidity and delicate profile, making them ideal for distillation.
Style
Domaine Drouet cognacs embody a complex and elegant style, balancing fruit-driven notes, floral expression, and the depth gained from aging. Younger cognacs are marked by citrus fruit, white flowers, and fresh grape juice aromas, while older expressions develop deeper character – with nuances of nuts, vanilla, leather, tobacco, and dried fruits. All cognacs are double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels for 5 to 30 years, depending on the category.
Prestigious Plots
What sets Domaine Drouet apart is its vineyard location. Grande Champagne – considered Cognac’s finest cru – contributes depth, finesse, and remarkable aging potential. Petite Champagne complements this profile with a lighter, fruitier character. The synergy of these two terroirs results in cognacs that are both immediately appealing and suitable for long-term cellaring.
Aging and Drinking Window
Domaine Drouet cognacs are versatile – enjoyable in their youth for their freshness and fruitiness, or after extended aging, when they reveal complexity and depth. Each expression is matured in French oak barrels, where it gains softness, refinement, and elegance – a true experience for both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.