By Soledad de Gervais
When it comes to vineyards, France counts almost 300 Protected Designation of Origins. Most of them take their name from the region such as Champagne, Alsace, Bourgogne, Beaujolais, only a few are named after major towns. Bordeaux, Sancerre and Cognac count undoubtedly among the most famous ones. Cognac is, from the far East to the American continent and in Europe, synonymous with great quality, France and its art de vivre. Exported at 97.7%, the oak-barrel-aged elixir is sold in 150 countries around the world. The product is so popular that, worldwide, 300 bottles are sold per minute. Extending over almost 82,000 hectares, the Cognac vineyard is the largest white-grape region in Europe. It covers almost all of the beautiful Charente region in South-Western France, boasting a unique diversity of soils between the oceanic shores and abundant sunny valleys. Worldwide famed Cognac has a little cousin that takes it’s Protected Designation of Origin from the region: le Pineau des Charentes, a delicious liqueur wine made of grape juice and Cognac. Even if it has the same alcoholic strength as Sherry or Port between 16 and 22% ABV, the Pineau des Charentes charms by an exquisite distinctive grapey character. THE PINEAU STORY [caption id="attachment_7606" align="alignnone" width="280"]
Cognac barrels more than 100 years old[/caption] According to legend, the origins of Pineau des Charentes date back to 1589, when a Charentais wine-grower named Pineau, poured mistakenly the grape must into a barrel containing cognac. Furious, he left this barrel in the cellar of the estate. A few years later, during a bumper harvest the barrel was required. When he opened it to throw its content, he discovered a wonderful aromatic golden elixir. The fortuitous concoction was tasted, approved, and dubbed Pineau des Charentes. Some 400 years later, the Pineau is selling some 10 million bottles a year, a confidential connoisseur market compared to the impressive Cognac annual sales figures totalizing over 200 million. The authorized zones for Pineau production are practically identical with those for Cognac. Of the 4,200 Cognac producers, 600 also produce some excellent Pineau. The Best Hotels Magazine introduces you to one of these extraordinary family estates.
FAMILY DRIVEN HERITAGE
The Bossis Family, currently celebrating its centenary year, counts doubtlessly among the best winemakers and artisanal Cognac and Pineau producers. Since 1919, three generations have pul- led together to make their story a success. They proudly promote a small but excellent production, provided by carefully cured vineyards. Great-grandfather Philippe bought the Domaine des Groies a hundred years ago. In 1924, his son-in-law Auguste Bossis began planting vines and transmitted the passion to his son Raymond who took over in 1957. He developed the property. The first litres of cognac were distilled and stored in oak barrels in1960. The very last bottles of this first cognac were sold in 2008.
Since 1993, Raymond’s son Jean-Luc crafts the family wine from a patchwork of small, enclosed parcels that span a panel of different grape varieties. This rare and diverse assortment makes up their unique Cognac and Pineau. Going forward, Jean-Luc was looking more and more into protecting the environment and practice today sustainable agriculture according to the Optimus protocol, thus minimizing the impact of pesticides on the grapes.
He also has introduced a number of new products, including an excellent award-winning Pineau des Charentes. His brother Jean-Marie is also back on the family estate. He is in charge of marketing, on-site sales, fairs, exports and on-line sales. Aged 89, Raymond, not only provides his sons with advice and expertise, but also guides visitors around the winery and answers all their questions about Pineau des Charentes or Cognac with passionate knowledge. Visitors and buyers are welcome all year through. You’ll find Bossis Cognac and Pineau de Charentes in some fine restaurants and wine shops. You can also purchase a selection on-line.
raymond-bossis.com
HOW TO ENJOY PINEAU DES CHARENTES?
Wine drinkers will be seduced by white Pineau des Charentes’ balanced profile, while others will prefer the generosity of red Pineau des Charentes. Both are food- friendly and pair perfectly with savory dishes such as fish, white meats or seafood, cheeses and desserts. More and more mixologist fall for its versatility and endless creative possibilities. Here are two to try out: Pineau Adonis 4.5 cl of Pineau des Charentes rosé 3 cl of Noilly Prat Sec 1 dash of Peychaud Bitters 1 dash of Bitters with celery 1 Marasca cherry Mix all the ingredients. Pass through a previously refreshed cocktail cup. Decorate Lady Bee 6 cl Pineau des Charentes blanc 3 cl dry white wine 2 cl sparkling water 1 tablespoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of liquid honey 1 sprig of thyme 1 slice of lemon Place liquid honey in the glass. Add lemon juice. Mix to dissolve the honey. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Add the white wine and Pineau des Charentes Blanc, mix. Add a dash of sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and a slice of lemon.
