Chateau de Beaulon Pineau des Charentes 5 Ans Blanc Cognac NV

Chateau de Beaulon sits in the Cognac region, a 1480 chateau that entered the Beaulon family's hands in 1510. Now run by Christian Thomas, it's recognized for single-vineyard Cognacs — and for Pineau des Charentes, Cognac's fortified little brother made by blending fresh grape must with young Cognac and aging it in oak.

This blanc expression is aged five years in barrel, sourced from the Fins Bois growth area. It's won hardware across three continents: trophies and golds at Vinexpo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. The category is tiny compared to Cognac's global footprint, which means most drinkers have never encountered a well-made white Pineau — and this one punches well above thirty bucks.

Think of it as a white Port: dark golden, subtly sweet, fresh and fruity with white flowers, honey, vanilla, mandarin, and dried apricot.

The alcohol warms gently. Serve it cold as an aperitif or alongside scallops, mussels, shellfish, or white meat. It's a post-dinner sipper that doesn't need an occasion — just a refrigerator and a glass.

Pineau des Charentes rarely makes it onto radar screens in the States. When it does, it's usually twice the price for half the age.