Which country exudes elegance and romance the moment you hear its name? France, of course! I can’t think of a better weekend to channel your inner Francophile than to pour a bit of magic from France. Specifically? Craft a very special cocktail with… Pineau des Charentes. Since I received sample bottles of Chateau de Beaulon ($20) and Famille Vallein-Tercinier Pineau des Charentes ($28), I’ve been singing the praises of this fortified wine made of fresh grape juice (must) blended with Cognac. Produced only in the Cognac region, the aromas and flavors of Pineau des Charentes are distinctive, delicious, and versatile. It can be enjoyed in a cocktail, on its own, with food, or sipped as a digestif at the end of the meal.
French lore has it that Pineau des Charentes evolved in the late 16th century when a grape-grower carelessly tossed grape must in a barrel that contained Cognac eau-de-vie. When the barrel was discovered years later, the drink inside was a surprise… and the rest is Pineau des Charentes history!
White Pineau des Charentes is made predominantly from Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Semillon, Sauvignon, Montils, Merlot Noir, Merlot Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Jurançon Blanc, and Folle Blanche. Red and Rosé Pineau des Charentes are from Merlot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Each variety offers distinctive aromas and flavors to the wine.
Photo Credit: Pineau Academy
To infuse magic in your romantic weekend, consider Pineau des Charentes cocktails with a kick. I was lucky enough to find video links to four talented bartenders who can shake, mix and stir like no other! Inspiring, find a bottle of Pineau des Charentes and start crafting these exquisite cocktails by following the links.
The first La Adventure is a signature Cocktail by Sarah Morrissey, New York based bar director who is my latest mixology idol!
Frank Mills, beverage director at Roy Boys in Washington DC, creates this wow-worthy Gold of Biscay.
From Los Angeles is Josue Romera, a bartender at the restaurant/bar Mezcalero. With Haunted Mind, his signature cocktail of Pineau des Charentes, his creativity is exemplary.
Self-described as a “man of modern renaissance,” Richard Allison founded a company dedicated to craft bitters called “Root Bitters.” Check out his signature cocktail, Conveyance.
Photo Credit: Pineau Academy
As a prep to get my own weekend started, I made a Pineau and Tonic (P&T) created by Ms. Franky Marshall. Easy to build, I used 1.5 oz White Pineau from Chateau de Beaulon (around $20) and .75 oz Fever Tree Tonic over ice in a rocks glass. With a sprig of thyme and a grapefruit twist as garnish, cue the romance! The Pineau spent 5 years in oak barrels and offered beautiful aromas and flavors of white florals, honey, vanilla, dried apricots and orange peel with a dash of herbs and ctirus. Elegance at its best!
Photo Credit: Pineau Academy (and my own version looked the same!)
To compliment the variety of Pineau des Charentes cocktails or the wine served “neat,” consider a range of foods from sweet to savory. How about White Pineau with white chocolate souffle, roasted pumpkin soup or shellfish and spring vegetables? A Rosé Pineau will be an exceptional choice with goat cheese, almonds and lavender honey. Then again, a Red Pineau may be a showstopper with pork chops or veal with buttered mushrooms and roasted potatoes. I’m feeling so French right now!
This weekend, join me in creating a bit of French magic with Pineau des Charentes in your glass.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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