Between land and ocean, the Charentes’ maritime climate is perfect for wine growing, with calcareous soil and mild sea air boosting grape growth.
Climate
The region’s sunny climate confers a special character on the cognac and grape must used to make Pineau des Charentes. Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic, winters are mild and wet, with annual rainfall of 800 to 1,000 millimetres spread over 130 to 150 days. Summers are not excessively hot, and clouds help to keep the sea breezes humid, giving the grapes time to mature.
Soil
The appellation area is characterized a succession of large, rolling sedimentary plains with no extremes of relief.
Its soils are very varied, with a predominance of clay and limestone, as well as sand in coastal areas such as the Ile de Ré and Ile d’Oléron. Pineau des Charentes reflects this rich diversity.
Grapes
Each grape variety confers its own particular aromatic characteristics on Pineau des Charentes.
The white version is made mainly from ugni blanc, colombard, sémillon, sauvignon, montils, merlot noir, merlot blanc, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, jurançon blanc and folle blanche.
Pineau des Charentes red and rosé are made using merlot noir, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec.