Charentais

CCharentais is an IGP title for wines produced in a large area on the west coast of France, north of the Bordeaux region. It is known for its production of white and rosé wines, made from a variety of grapes, including Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The Charentais region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Middle Ages. Charentais has been a producing region for Cognac for centuries, with the Vin de Pays Charentais classification established in 1981. In 2009, the Vin de Pays denomination was phased out and replaced with the Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) title.

The main grapes grown in Charentais are Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. The wines produced here are mostly white and rosé, with some sparkling wines. The wines are known for their freshness and minerality, and are often aged in oak barrels.

Some of the most famous producers in Charentais include Château de Laubade, Château de La Tour Blanche, and Château de La Roche.

Charentais is home to the world-famous Cognac, a type of brandy made from Ugni Blanc grapes. The region is also known for its production of Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine made from Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche grapes.