Jean-Luc Pasquet - Pineau des Charentes Blanc

Volume: 0.75 litres | Alcohol content: 18%

Special Features:

Freshly pressed grape must and Cognac form the basis of this white Pineau des Charentes. The must comes from equal parts Ugni Blanc and Montils and accounts for approximately three quarters of the blend. Cognac made from Ugni Blanc and aged for at least one year is then added. The Pineau subsequently matures for around 30 months in oak casks.

This organically produced bottling combines fruity sweetness with a lively tannic structure. Alongside pear and honey, its aromatic range includes dates, figs and papaya, complemented by a subtle farmyard note. Well chilled, the Pineau can be enjoyed neat as an aperitif or combined with tonic and a little lemon or lime zest.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is lively and layered. Dried fruit mingles with flambéed pear and honey.
• Palate: Pear and honey are apparent from the first sip. The two impressions come together in a balanced flavour.
• Finish: Lively tannins give the finish structure, accompanied by a delicate note of candied grapefruit.

Distillery/Bottler:

Domaine Pasquet is located in Éraville in the Charente. The family estate's vineyards extend across the neighbouring Cognac areas of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Jean-Luc Pasquet and his wife Marie-Françoise built up the house together; the Cognac brand has borne his name since 1977. Conversion to organic cultivation began in 1995, followed by the first organic Cognac vintage in 1998. Their son Jean took over management in 2011, and his wife Amy has worked in the business since 2017.

In the vineyard, the family uses grape compost and local cow manure among its fertilisers. Field beans and cereals grow between the rows of vines and are incorporated into the soil in spring. For Cognac production, Pasquet uses natural yeasts from the vineyards and distils the wine on its lees in a gas-fired Charentais still. This work in the vineyard and distillery also underpins the house's aperitifs.

Facts: