Chateau de Montifaud Pineau des Charentes Rouge

Documents show that the Vallet family has been making cognac here since 1837, for Chateau de Montifaud. Sixth generation Laurent Vallet currently runs the business, taking over from his father Michel in 2010. Pineau des Charentes is the result of stopping the grape juice fermentation within hours of the pressing by blending it with cognac that is at least one year old — a process that originally occurred by mistake in 1589. This leaves an unmistakable sweetness tempered by a fresh fruit character. This 'red' offering (made from red grapes) showcases a mix of red and purple fruit, honey and acacia blossom. Ageing in wooden barrels gives notes of 'rancio', meaning ripe and dried fruit, hazelnut, grilled almond, vanilla and buttered toast.