Cognac

Taking it’s name from the ambitious character in Balzac’s Pere Goriot, this is a sweetish, fortified wine from Charente-Maritime.  Very rich aromas made up of fresh fruit (peach, plum and fig) and dried fruit (almond, prune).  On the palate, fresh fruit dominates, with citrus flavours helping to balance the sweetness.  The finish has a hint of honey and vanilla.  A gorgeous aperitif, but can go well with duck too.

Pineau des Charentes is such a wonderful and underrated tipple, made from Ugni blanc grape must, blended with 2 year old Cognac, you should be drinking more of this!