Pineau des Charentes François 1er Tradition - Red

🍇 Presentation of the Domaine and Maison Lhéraud

The Pineau François 1er Tradition Rouge is crafted at the legendary Domaine des Gâtinauds in Angeac-sur-Charente, within the Petite Champagne region. Founded in 1934 by Gaston Rivière, the François 1er brand carries on a century-old family heritage with red grape varietals (Merlot, Cabernet Franc) cultivated with respect for the Charentais terroir.

Today, this red pineau is also produced under the guidance of Maison Lhéraud, renowned for its high-quality vintage cognacs. Lhéraud brings its expertise to ensure a product that is both traditional and of exceptional quality, aged in Limousin oak barrels without compromising the identity of the wine.

✨ About Pineau François 1er Tradition Rouge

Pineau François 1er Rouge is made by blending Merlot and Cabernet grape must with cognac eau-de-vie distilled in a wood/charcoal-fired alembic. It is aged in barrels for at least 24 to 36 months, developing a deep ruby hue and complex aromas of ripe red fruits and spices.

👃 Tasting Notes of François 1er Tradition Rouge

• Appearance: Intense ruby with topaz highlights, bright and clear.
• Nose: Spicy and fruity — black cherry, morello cherry, raspberry, with hints of saffron and cold tobacco.
• Palate: Smooth yet structured texture, aerial freshness, refined balancing bitterness, and cherry infused with rose petals.
• Finish: Long and rich, evoking fresh and spiced fruits with elegance and balance.

🥂 Food Pairings & Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled at 8–10 °C to highlight its freshness and fruity nuances.
• Recommended pairings: foie gras, duck breast with red fruits, or fig and walnut tart.
• Tasting idea: excellent with a red fruit tarte tatin or even in a reinvented Pineau spritz cocktail.

🤔 Why Choose Pineau François 1er Tradition Rouge?

1. A rare pineau: a traditional product made from Merlot and Cabernet grapes, preserving a distinctive Charentais signature.
2. Aromatic complexity: a successful blend of red fruits, spices, and light rancio with a fresh character.
3. Controlled aging: matured for 24 to 36 months in Limousin oak barrels, offering structure and depth.
4. Confirmed expertise: now produced by Lhéraud, combining Rivière tradition with Lhéraud’s vintage mastery.
5. Elegant presentation: refined bottle, deep color, and the prestige of the Charentais terroir celebrated.

Recently acquired by Maison Lhéraud, Pineau François 1er Tradition Rouge now benefits from premium expertise to elevate a local tradition. This partnership enhances the prestige of this pineau, now produced with precision, appreciated internationally, and recognized as one of the few high-end red pineaux on the Charentais market.

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