Gaston Rivière, Pineau des Charentes, Pineau François 1er, Red Pineau nv The smell of red grape juice really comes through, with a green, herbaceous essence and a whiff of chocolate. In the mouth it is sweet, thick and spiritous, like a red candy, coated in chocolate and filled with brandy.
The grapes behind this aperitif are Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Minimum one year old Cognac is added to the must after pressing the grapes and before fermentation, the final proportions being about 75% juice and 25% Cognac. The married liquid is then aged in Limousin oak for at least 3 years. Gaston Riviere, proprietaire au Domaine des Gatinauds in Angeac in the Charente 17% $18.79 at Bottle Barn