Pineau

Little of these rich second products of the French brandy industry is known outside France. In essence they are a mixture of the newly distilled eau de vie and the fruit juice mixed together in a ratio of between 1:4 and 1:3. In the case of Pineau des Charentes made by many cognac producers, it is aged in oak casks making it become richer and much more desirable. This is not the case in Armagnac, where the Floc is not aged. These secondary drinks of their respective industries are often compared with port or sherry since their qualities are not dissimilar but they are not to be confused since the fruit juice is added to the eau de vie and with fortified drinks the brandy is added to the wine.  In most cases these rich drinks are consumed as an aperitif and served cold however some people use them as a dessert wine tantalisingly attractive when served with a rich cheese or sweet pudding.