Hardy Le Coq d'Or Pineau des Charantes Blanc Aperitif 750ml

The House of Hardy was founded in 1863 by Anthony Hardy, a British wine and spirits merchant who fell in love with the Charente region during his frequent visits from London. He eventually settled there, adopted the more French-sounding name Antoine, and built a reputation for quality just as the region weathered the phylloxera crisis. The Gallic rooster on the label, which gives this cuvée its name, has remained the house emblem ever since.

Pineau des Charentes is made by blending freshly pressed, lightly fermented grape must with cognac eau-de-vie, halting fermentation and preserving natural grape sugars. Le Coq d'Or Blanc draws on Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grapes and is aged for at least five years in oak, qualifying it as a Vieux Pineau, a designation reserved for cuvées matured well beyond the minimum required by the appellation.

The result is a shining golden hue with a delicate bouquet of dried fruit, honey, and linden blossom. On the palate it is supple and full, opening with fresh grape character before settling into a rounded, harmonious finish. Serve well chilled as an aperitif, or pair with foie gras, blue cheese, or a fruit tart to close a meal.