Très Vieux Pineau Lheraud 1971
DESCRIPTION
The Story
Crafted by Maison Lhéraud, founded in 1810 in Angeac-Charente, this Très Vieux Pineau Lot n°0971 is a vibrant testament to Charentais expertise. Born from the 1971 vintage, it has aged for several decades in the Lhéraud family's blonde stone cellars, in the heart of the Cognac terroir. This exceptional Pineau received the distinction of 95 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022, consecrating its balance and aromatic depth.
The Vinification
Created by the mutage (fortification) of fresh grape musts with an aged Cognac eau-de-vie, this Très Vieux Pineau was crafted using the traditional Charentais method. Its long aging in Limousin oak barrels allowed the substance to become round and complex, while preserving the freshness of the fruit. Time and natural micro-oxygenation shaped a supple and silky texture, revealing harmonious notes of candied fruits, spices, and honey. Each barrel, patiently selected, contributes to the balance and depth that mark this exceptional vintage.
The Tasting
With a beautiful amber color and copper reflections, the Très Vieux Pineau Lhéraud Lot n°0971 opens with a generous nose of candied apricots, raisins, and honey, enhanced by a hint of rancio. On the palate, the texture is ample/full and mellow, offering a subtle balance between sweetness and freshness. Flavors of nut, ripe plum, and fine spices interlace with elegance, carried by a remarkable persistence. The finish, long, suave (smooth/velvety), and finely woody, testifies to masterful aging and a style that is both noble and timeless.
REGION
Nouvelle Aquitaine
France
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest wine region in France, stretching from Poitiers to Pau through iconic areas such as Bordeaux, Cognac, Agen and Bergerac. It holds an exceptional diversity of terroirs, backed by centuries of winemaking and distilling know how, making it the birthplace of some of the most renowned spirits in the world.
In the north, in Charente and Charente Maritime, they make the famous Cognac, double distilled from white wines, and Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine blending grape must and young cognac, loved for its freshness and roundness.
Further south, in the Gers, the Landes and Lot et Garonne, they produce Armagnac, the oldest brandy in France. Traditionally distilled in a continuous still, it comes from three areas: Haut Armagnac, Ténarèze and Bas Armagnac. These three terroirs sit on the Lannemezan alluvial fan, an ancient soil of sand, clay and pebbles from the erosion of the Pyrenees. They give expressive, elegant and nuanced brandies, with aromas of ripe fruit, sweet spice and dried fruit, revealed as they age in cask.
Recommended for you:
A noble and timeless Pineau. Generous nose of candied apricots, raisins, and honey, with a hint of rancio. The palate is ample/full and mellow, balancing sweetness and freshness. Long, suave (smooth/velvety), and finely woody finish.