Region: France

Background: Owned by Yvan Meyer, Maison Sichel's Technical Director, Château d'Orignac has won accolades in France and throughout the world. It is made from two-thirds grape must (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with one-third Cognac and takes almost 10 years to produce, which results in an intense, complex nose of peaches, apricots, honey, almonds and Cognac and an unforgettably smooth texture on the palate.

Winemaking process: Château d'Orignac Pineau is made in the time honoured way, by carefully blending aged eau-de-vie and unfermented grape juice that comes from selected Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, picked when perfectly ripe. After blending, it is aged for a minimum of 5 years in oak casks, made by top coopers based in central France. Only after this extensive maturation period does Château d'Orignac Pineau take on its full depth of flavour and balance.

Tasting notes: Rich amber colour shot through with gold tints. Very intense, complex nose of apricots, honey and raisins. Full and rich on the palate, with grape and Cognac flavours. At nose intense and elegant. A remarkable and inimitable example of top quality Pineau des Charentes, justly deserving of its reputation. Should be served well chilled. Once opened, Château d'Orignac Pineau des Charentes will keep very well for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Food pairing: A classic apéritif but also delicious with savoury dishes, desserts and cheese, such as Roquefort and mature Dutch Gouda.