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
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is France's largest wine-growing region, stretching from Poitiers to Pau, via emblematic territories such as Bordeaux, Cognac, Agen and Bergerac. It is home to an exceptional diversity of terroirs, supported by centuries of winemaking and distilling expertise, making it the cradle of some of the world's most renowned spirits.
To the north, in the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions, we produce the famous Cognac, made from the double distillation of white wines, and Pineau des Charentes, a liqueur wine combining grape must and young Cognac, appreciated for its freshness and roundness.
Further south, in the Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne regions, we produce Armagnac, France's oldest brandy. Traditionally distilled in continuous stills, it is produced in three zones: Haut-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Bas-Armagnac. These three terroirs lie on the alluvial cone of Lannemezan, an ancient soil of sand, clay and pebbles eroded from the Pyrenees. They give rise to expressive, elegant and nuanced eaux-de-vie, with aromas of ripe fruit, sweet spices and dried fruit, revealed through barrel ageing.
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.
Très Vieux Pineau Lhéraud 1971 Lot n°0971 - Vinodelice