Pineau des Charentes or simply Pineau is a regional French aperitif produced in the Charente region, western France.  

It is a fortified wine made from a blend of lightly fermented grape juice and young Cognac.  During the act of “assembly” of the young cognac with the fresh grape juice, the fermentation of the grape juice is halted which retains the sugar content and results in a sweet liquor which is ideal for pre-dinner drinking.

Finer varieties are aged for over 5 to 8 years in barrels.  They are called vieux pineau (mature) for over 5 years and très vieux pineau (very mature) if aged in barrels for over 10 years.  These fine Pineau possesses sweet aromas for dried fruits, elegant acidity, balanced red berries flavors along with a long, satisfying finish.