Pineau d'Aunis

Grape variety	Pineau d'Aunis
Synonyms	Aunis, Chenin Noir
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Pineau d'Aunis, also known as Aunis or Chenin Noir, is a grape variety with a rich and colorful history tied to the Loire Valley. The grape's name, Pineau d'Aunis, is thought to have originated either from a small fiefdom in the Duchy of Aquitaine or from a convent located in Saumur. This grape variety, through centuries, has witnessed alternating periods of prominence and obscurity. Its golden age was during the Middle Ages, when it was highly revered by King Henry Plantagenet and Henry III. The Pineau D'Aunis was even gifted as a peace offering to mark the end of the Hundred Years' War between Charles VII and Philip the Good. Due to its similarity in name with Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, there was a common misbelief that Pineau d'Aunis was a red-berry variant of the prestigious Chenin Blanc. However, modern DNA technology has debunked this myth, proving it to be a distinct grape variety.
Characteristics of the wine	Despite being a red grape variety, Pineau d'Aunis is often used in a similar fashion to Pinot Noir to produce a range of wine styles. It is used to create both rosé and white wines and can be found in both still and sparkling wine varieties. The wines produced from this grape are typically light-bodied with a pale color, offering delicate aromas of red fruits, pepper, and spices.
Ampelographic features	Pineau d'Aunis is a red grape variety that is distinguished by its triangular and serrated leaves that resemble a pine branch. This resemblance is what gave the grape its name, Pineau. The grape clusters of Pineau d'Aunis are medium-sized with oval, black-skinned berries.