Product Description: Our Pineau — late-harvest Vidal fortified with our own Vidal-distilled spirits, aged in oak barrels. An homage to France's Pineau des Charentes tradition, distinctly Ontarian. 18% ABV, 49 g/L residual sugar. Tasting Notes: Vibrant golden hue. Aromas of candied orange and apricot mingle with hints of honey and spice. On the palate, a harmonious blend of acidity and sweetness, with notes of pear and a creamy texture. The finish — a delightful interplay of acid, sweetness, and a warm alcoholic touch. Winemaker's Notes: This wine is born of serendipity. Late in the season, our grower Kevin offered us some unclaimed late-harvest juice. Although we couldn't label it as 'late harvest' or VQA, we eagerly accepted. In the 1990s, as a student working in a wine shop, I was introduced to Pineau des Charentes — a fortified wine from France made by adding Cognac to unfermented grape juice and aging in oak. Our version uses Vidal grapes (a hybrid bred from Ugni Blanc, the Cognac grape, after the 19th-century phylloxera crisis). We fortified late-harvest Vidal with spirits distilled from the same grape, then aged in oak. Deeply rooted in Cognac tradition, distinctly Ontarian. Technical Details: Variety: 100% Vidal Appellation: Non-VQA Alcohol: 18.0% Residual Sugar: 49 g/L Vintage: 2022 Production: 300 bottles Food Pairing Suggestions: Creamy and blue cheeses — Roquefort, Camembert, Brie Melon with prosciutto, savoury tarts, paté Rich seafood — lobster, scallops, sushi Fruit-based desserts and foie gras Serving Suggestions: Best served slightly chilled, 10–13°C, in a small wine glass or copita. 2–3 oz pour as a digestif or aperitif. Frequently Asked Questions How should I serve the Pineau? Slightly chilled, 10–13°C. A small wine glass or copita. 2–3 oz pour as a digestif or aperitif. What food pairs well with the Pineau? Creamy and blue cheeses (Roquefort, Camembert, Brie), melon with prosciutto, savoury tarts and paté, rich seafood like lobster and scallops, sushi, fruit-based desserts, foie gras. What is Pineau des Charentes? Is this vegan? Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine from the Cognac region — unfermented or partially-fermented grape juice fortified with Cognac and aged in oak. Ours uses Vidal grapes (bred from the Cognac grape Ugni Blanc) fortified with our own Vidal-distilled spirits. 18% ABV. 49 g/L RS. Vegan. Non-VQA. How long will the Pineau keep after opening? Re-cap and refrigerate. 1–3 months. The fortification protects it well. Where can I buy the Pineau? Direct at the winery and online (Ontario only) — limited production of 300 bottles.
