Chateau Montifaud Pineau des Charentes Aperitif 750ml

Château Montifaud has been in the hands of the Vallet family for six generations, since Augustin Vallet planted a small vineyard and began distilling in the Cognac region in 1837. The estate is based near Jarnac in the Petite Champagne cru, one of the most prized growing areas in Cognac, and today the sixth generation, Laurent Vallet, runs the property alongside his father. The family controls every stage of production, from tending their own vines through to bottling, a rarity among Cognac houses that more often buy in spirits from outside growers.

Pineau des Charentes is made by halting the fermentation of fresh grape juice within hours of pressing, using cognac that has aged at least a year to stop the process before it can properly begin. Château Montifaud's version relies on an 80/20 blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, with the Colombard supplying rich aromatics and the Ugni Blanc contributing finesse and a touch of acidity. The grapes come from the estate's own limestone and clay vineyards, which lend the finished wine real aromatic depth.

On the palate, this pineau shows dried fruit and almond alongside notes of honey, layered over the underlying richness of cognac. The texture is smooth and slightly viscous, with a lingering sweetness balanced by the wine's natural acidity.