Très Vieux Pineau Lheraud 1976
DESCRIPTION
The Story
Crafted by Maison Lhéraud, founded in 1810 in Angeac-Charente, this Très Vieux Pineau Lot n°0976 is a vibrant testament to Charentais expertise. Born from the 1976 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 Très Vieux Pineau was created by the mutage (fortification) of grape musts with an aged Cognac eau-de-vie, following the traditional Charentais method. Aged extensively in Limousin oak barrels, it has acquired a velvety texture and remarkable aromatic depth over the decades. Time has softened the power of the fruit and revealed woody and subtly spicy nuances. The chalky and clay soil of the Fins Bois terroir imparts a natural balance between freshness and sweetness to the wine, a signature of the Lhéraud style.
The Tasting
The golden amber color of the Très Vieux Pineau Lhéraud Lot n°0976 heralds a refined nose where dried figs, candied apricots, and sweet spices mingle. On the palate, the attack is direct, followed by a harmonious and silky development. The aromas evolve toward notes of dried fruits, honey, and light rancio, supported by perfectly integrated acidity. The long and persistent finish leaves an impression of balance and delicacy, the true signature of an exceptional Pineau.
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 1976 of great delicacy and depth. The nose is refined, evoking dried figs, candied apricots, and sweet spices. The palate is harmonious and silky, with perfectly integrated acidity. Long finish, marked by light rancio and honey.
Très Vieux Pineau Lhéraud 1976 Lot n°0976 - Vinodelice