Très Vieux Pineau Lheraud 1962
DESCRIPTION
The Story
Crafted by Maison Lhéraud, founded in 1810 in Angeac-Charente, this Très Vieux Pineau Lot n°0962 is a vibrant testament to Charentais expertise. Born from the 1962 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
This exceptional vin de liqueur (fortified wine) is created by the mutage (fortification) of grape musts with an aged Cognac eau-de-vie, following the traditional Charentais method. Aged extensively in oak barrels, it develops a unique richness and complexity. The terroir of Angeac, situated between land and ocean, imparts a balanced ripeness to the grapes, while the prolonged aging contributes woody, spicy, and time-mellowed notes.
The Tasting
With a deep amber color, this Très Vieux Pineau is immediately captivating on the nose with subtle aromas of spices, dried fruits, and honey. On the palate, the attack is direct but silky, giving way to a perfect balance between sweetness and liveliness. The texture, velvety and complex, is enriched with nuances of vanilla, hazelnut, and blond tobacco, before a long, spicy, and warm finish. A Pineau for the ages, to be savored slowly like a great cognac.
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 Pineau for the ages, of incredible complexity. The nose is subtle, marked by spices, dried fruits, and honey. On the palate, it is silky and perfectly balanced. Very long, warm finish, mellowed by notes of blond tobacco.
Très Vieux Pineau Lhéraud 1962 Lot n°0962 - Vinodelice