Normandin Mercier Pineau des Charentes Rouge (75cl, 17%)

Normandin Mercier Pineau des Charentes Rouge is a French vin de liqueur blending Merlot grape must with aged Cognac, bottled at 17% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by a house established in 1872, it is made in Charente-Maritime. The rouge expression assembles two-thirds freshly pressed, very ripe Merlot grape must with one-third Cognac matured for at least one year, then ages further in oak casks. The nose shows fresh red berries, ripened cherry, macerated cherry and fruit jam. The palate enters with bright cherry and stone-fruit sweetness, then a full mid-palate where the Cognac backbone adds structure and warmth. The finish is medium in length, with cherry jam and subtle warmth from the Cognac.