Dining and Restaurants in the Charente

GASTRONOMADES
28-30 November 2005 Angoulême
An international celebration of Charentais food, wines and other regional produce. Guaranteed to satisfy even the most experienced taste buds!

Pineau des Charentes
You cannot live in the Charente without experiencing the region's most famous beverage.

The history of Pineau des Charentes can be traced back to the 16th century when Henry IV came to the throne.

Legend has it that in the 1589 harvest time, a winegrower accidentally poured grape juice into a barrel already containing Cognac. (More than likely this happened not too long after his three hour lunch break!) The mixture was rolled to the back of the Lord’s cellar. A few years later, the barrel was needed as a result of a bumper harvest and the owner was surprised, but delighted to discover the new drink.

Ever since then, the recipe and method have remained the same, passed down from generation to generation, ensuring the flavours and consistency remain as good today as they were in the 16th century.

For more information on Pineau, visit Pineau des Charentes