A Perfect Pineau for Pairing: The Chateau de Beaulon Pineau Vieille Reserve
The Chateau de Beaulon Pineau Vieille Reserve Or is an exceptional example of Pineau de Charentes done right. Winner of many awards and celebrated by the industry, it perfectly represents the history and heritage of the Maison with its attention to detail and delightfully delicate and distinguishable flavors.
Using a combination of Sauternes grape varieties (Semillon and Sauvignon), Vieille Reserve Or has a harmonious and elegant taste, with a rich bouquet of aromas giving it a sophisticated, noble quality. The pineau has a lightly woody character thanks to the 10-year-old eaux-de-vie it contains, while still retaining its sweet and light flavor profile.
The Chateau de Beaulon estate can be found in the Charentes area, 90 hectares of land located on limestone hillsides with a unique microclimate that offers optimum growing conditions. The estate grows 9 different grape varieties, chosen specifically for their ability to complement one another.
The Maison uses a combination of ancestral expertise, modern technology and sustainable farming to produce some of the best Cognacs and Pineaux the region has to offer. A family estate since 1712, the family has built a reputation (especially since Christian Thomas took over in the 1960s) for exceptional quality, and the medals awarded to this pineau certainly testify to this, it's no wonder the word "Or" (Gold) features in its name!
The estate actually dates back to the 14th century, with Monseigneur de Nesmond, King Louis XIV's advisor and the Beaulon heir. Originally, the estate was exclusively used for Cognac production, but Sauterne and Médoc grape varieties were introduced for Pineaux production when Nesmond handed it over to the bishops of Bordeaux.
Awards:
- Gold Medal, Vinexpo, 1999
- Gold Medal, Brussels 2000
- Prestige Citadelles Bordeaux, 2003
- Gold Media, Vinexpo 2005
How to Enjoy:
This delicate pineau can be enjoyed in a number of ways, it's a great accompaniment to a fish dish or any white meats, it also pairs perfectly with a cheese course or lightly flavored ice cream/sorbet. It can equally be enjoyed alone on a warm summer afternoon as a refreshing aperitif.
Specific pairing recommendations provided by Chateau de Beaulon include foie gras, Saint-Jacques scallops or turbot. Goats cheese and Roquefort are cheeses that pair particularly well with this white pineau.
Presentation of the Bottle:
Sleek and slender, the Vieille Reserve’s elegant and classic design reflects the estate's attention to detail and respect for tradition. Produced in dark green/brown glass to keep your Vieille Reserve cool, the bottle is embossed with the family's coat of arms, with a gold foil seal around its neck.
