Pineau des Charentes is one of France's great apéritif traditions, made by blending fresh grape must with cognac, then resting it in oak. This one comes from Les Vignobles Boule, on the border between Cognac and Bordeaux, from a small parcel of Merlot grown on sandy soils. After at least a year in barrel it pours a deep, fruity red, the glass the French reach for before dinner, or after, alongside something chocolate.