Pineau des Charentes is a French aperitif made in the Cognac (Charente) region of France. It is a vin de liqueur made from fresh or lightly fermented grape juice to which Cognac that has been aged at least one year is added. It is consumed regionally as a pre-dinner drink and abroad it is often used as a cocktail modifier or in cooking or baking.
It has both white and rosé expressions usually made from Ugni blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard for the whites and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for the rosés. Unlike Cognac, they should be stored like wines and enjoyed shortly after opening. Vintage or age statement bottlings are defined by the vintage or age of the Cognacs used not the grape juice or wines.