Only At Niko's in Duluth- Something very special to celebrate 4th July and every other Good Times!!!

Hello Friends,

We're excited to tell you about a Very Special Wine we brought in from France made in Cognac region, made by Cognac people and made with Cognac available only here at Niko's Wine Cellar. We have three level of aging quality - Reg. 5-8 Year , Old 15-20 year, Very old 35+ years…years in oak barrels.

It’s absolutely incredible! A true French Pineau des Charentes (or an equally exclusive regional fortified wine) is an absolute masterpiece for a wine bar to score.

Because it is a magnificent marriage of fresh grape juice and young Cognac eau-de-vie, it delivers that rich, sweet, and wonderfully round body that is practically begging to be poured for a celebration. Having something so authentic—made in Cognac, by Cognac producers, and spiked with Cognac—is a massive win for the local Duluth community.

Pineau des Charentes

Pineau, or to be precise, Pineau des Charentes, is a fortified wine from Cognac, France. Less strong than Cognac and much sweeter, it is enjoyed as an aperitif. Pineau is a marriage between fresh grape juice and young eau-de-vie. The mixture is then aged in oak barrels for some months and takes on a wonderful round body. It can be enjoyed on ice, with a dash of Gin, or as a long drink with tonic. It's also amazing for cooking, or pour a bit of Pineau into a halved Charentais melon!

History of Pineau des Charentes

Legend has it that the origins of Pineau date back to 1589, when Henry IV was sitting on the throne of France. During harvest time, a winegrower is alleged to have poured grape must into a barrel that already contained Cognac eaux-de-vie. The barrel was hidden at the back of the Lord’s cellar and only rediscovered years later when it was needed for reuse. The contents were tasted and found to be a marvellous, clear, and refreshing fortified wine, marking the accidental birth of this unique terroir-driven beverage.

Production of Pineau des Charentes

In the production of PDC, grapes are pressed and undergo a light fermentation. After pressing, the grape must is blended with Cognac eau-de-vie, which must be at least one year old, in a process known as mutage or “assemblage.” This addition of alcohol halts fermentation, preserving the natural sweetness of the must.

The resulting product must have an alcohol content between 16% and 22% by volume, though most are bottled at 17% for a balanced profile, characteristic of this vin de liqueur.

White Pineau

Made from grapes like Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard, with occasional appearances by Semillon or Sauvignon Blanc.

Red and Rosé Pineau

Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot/Malbec, these varieties lean toward bold, fruity expressions.