Très Vieux Pineau Lheraud 2000
DESCRIPTION
The Story
Crafted by Maison Lhéraud, founded in 1810 in Angeac-Charente, this Très Vieux Pineau is a vibrant testament to Charentais expertise. Born from the 2000 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 fresh grape musts with an aged Cognac eau-de-vie, following the traditional Charentais method. After mutage, it rests extensively in Limousin oak barrels, where it acquires complexity, roundness, and depth. The Charentais terroir, influenced by the oceanic mildness, imparts a beautiful aromatic freshness to the wine, balancing the richness of the ripe fruits and the delicate woody patina. This prolonged aging reveals nuances of almond, honey, and sweet spices, sublimated by a supple and harmonious texture.
The Tasting
With an amber color with golden reflections, the Très Vieux Pineau Lhéraud 2000 captivates with a refined nose, marked by nut, candied pear, and raisins. On the palate, the texture is ample/full, velvety, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and liveliness. Flavors of dried fruits, honey, and caramel blend into a delicate harmony, supported by a refreshing touch of acidity. The finish, long and warm, reveals a rare elegance and a beautiful aromatic persistence. A Pineau of character, to be savored slowly, reflecting Charentais time and talent.
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:
An exceptional and warm Pineau. The nose is refined, featuring nut, candied pear, and raisins. On the palate, it is ample/full and velvety, with a beautiful balance between sweetness and refreshing liveliness. Long and very elegant finish.