Prunier Pineau des Charentes Rouge

This is a red Pineau des Charentes from the Prunier house, made entirely from Merlot. Fresh grape must is blended with AOC cognac before fermentation, and the fruit comes only from the Bons Bois appellation, close to the Gironde estuary. Each vintage is aged separately in foudre before blending. It is served lightly chilled, as an aperitif or with chocolate desserts and characterful cheeses. The colour is bright carmine. The nose shows candied strawberry, raspberry and blackberry with blackcurrant and black fruit jam, plus toffee, liquorice and sweet spice. The palate is supple, generous and jammy, kept fresh by a subtle lift, and the finish is long and precise.