In 1945, Pineau des Charentes became France’s first fortified wine to enjoy appellation d’origine contrôlée (appellation of controlled origin – AOC) status. The appellation area is the same as that of Cognac, essentially consisting of the regions of Charente and Charente-Maritime, and a few towns in Dordogne and Deux-Sèvres.
Between land and ocean, the region’s unique geography is rich in contrasts, with a maritime climate of mild, wet winters and sunny summers that helps the grapes to reach perfect ripeness.
Pineau des Charentes is made by blending grape must with cognac eau de vie – cognac distilled for at least one year.
To receive AOC status, the grape must and eau de vie must come from the same estate.