The Vineyard of Charente

When we talk about the Charente wine region, the first thought is of cognac , this internationally renowned amber brandy that delights all palates. But Charente is more than that when we talk about terroir. The wines produced are numerous and of high quality, a know-how preserved and transmitted for thousands of years in the Charente region. Discover the Charente vineyards!

IGP Charentais, a label sign of quality

The Charente vineyards are lands and grape varieties that allow the production of white, red and rosé wines. Wine production in the region does not date back to today since traces of viticulture have been found, dating from the Gallo-Roman era. Originally concentrated in Saintonge, its production developed from the mid- ^12th century under the influence of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Farms are taking over the banks of the Loire and viticulture is developing, despite the appearance of phylloxera. In 1981, Charentais wines obtained the appellation “Vins de Pays Charentais”, which was transformed into IGP “Vins Charentais” in 2009 on the condition of using grapes grown in Charente, or in Charente-Maritime. Today, the Charente vineyard represents 1,500 hectares of vines, cultivated by 600 producers who take care of 40 grape varieties authorized in the specifications. Discover the Charente vineyard and its history through contact with producers who are passionate about their terroir!

Cognac, the famous emblematic spirit of Charente

Impossible to miss, cognac is THE reference drink of the region. Its history begins in the ^15th century when the Dutch decided to distill Charente wine to better preserve it during transport, thus obtaining brandwijn, or burnt wine in French. In the ^16th century, the Chevalier de la Croix Maron came up with the idea of distilling it a second time before aging the liquid obtained in oak barrels, giving birth to cognac and double distillation. Appreciated for its complex aromas and its finesse, it experienced real growth in the ^18th century. Trading houses and large cognac houses appeared as the cognac trade crossed borders. In 1909, regulations demarcated the cognac production area, which obtained the AOC label in 1936. Cognac now has 6 vintages:

• Great Champagne
• Little Champagne
• Borders
• Fine Wood
• Good Wood
• Ordinary Wood

Each vintage has its own soil and characteristics , offering cognacs with varied aromas made from white grape varieties, notably Colombard, Montils, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc or Sémillon. Today, vines grown for cognac extend over 86,182 hectares, a drink exported to 150 countries.

Le Pineau des Charente, a mistake with stunning results

You may not know it, but Pineau des Charentes is the result of a storage error. In 1589, a producer from Burie named Pineau placed his grape must intended for fermentation in a vat containing alcohol, a young cognac. Several years later, he was surprised to taste this delicious beverage obtained by a mixture of fermented product and distilled product, Pineau des Charentes was born. Its business took a few years to develop and only began in 1921, then everything accelerated. In 1935, it obtained the appellation “Pineau des Charentes”, and the VLAOC label (Vin de Liqueur d’Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in 1945. Today regulated, the production of this sweet drink is only authorized from 11 grape varieties for Pineau blanc, and 4 grape varieties for Pineau rosé.

The Charente vineyard, a unique discovery all year round

Wine lover, passionate winemaker or curious foodie, take advantage of your visit to Charente to discover the region's fabulous products. There are several ways available to you, between a market visit to unearth these wine gems, or a meal at the restaurant accompanied by a good glass of local wine from Charente. However, the best way to understand the history and origin of Charente wines is to meet producers in the region through:

• Visits to vineyards and cellars followed by a tasting
• Participation in a workshop or masterclass
• Discovery of the vineyard through a picnic in the vineyards followed by a tasting
• On a cruise on the Charente with a stopover in a vineyard…

It's up to you to choose what makes you happy according to your budget and your desires.

The Charente vineyard, events not to be missed

Charente is a lively and dynamic region, focused on local products and the promotion of unique know-how. Summer remains the ideal season to get together and share good moments of conviviality around Charente wines, Pineau des Charentes and cognac. Don't miss the unmissable events of the year!

• The cognac festival of course organized in July in Cognac
• The night visit to Maison Martell from June to September in Cognac
• Les Gastronomades between the end of November and the beginning of December on Isle d'Espagnac
• The Cognac Fair on the ^2nd Saturday of January in Cognac

You now know all the secrets of the Charentes vineyards. All you have to do is enjoy your favorite drink!

Did you like our article? Find others on the Guide de la Charente Blog ! Find us also on the Facebook page of the Guide de la Charente and on our Instagram account @guidedelacharente