This month, we’re taking you on a stroll through the Oléron vineyards. Oleron is the only island vineyard distinguished by the Vignobles & Découvertes label, just like the destination Heart of Alsace, the prestigious Wine Route of Bordeaux or even the Vineyard of Cognac. Who would have believed it?
Oléron wines, good grapes make good wines!
Reflecting an island terroir, the wines of theOleron Island are the legacy of know-how and a wine-growing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the island has around fifty winegrowers who cultivate some 800 hectares of vines. AOC » Oléron country wine « produces around 700,000 bottles each year.
Whether white, rosé or red, sweet or sparkling, the IGP Charentais country wines » Oleron Island » each have their own identity, but all have in common this assertive character, all in finesse. The red and rosé wines are made from the Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties. The white wines are blended with Sauvignon, Colombard and Chardonnay. The sparkling wines in the traditional method are made from the Chardonnay grape variety.
What wine should you bring back from your stay on the island of Oléron?
Want to buy wine while on vacation in camping on the island of Oléron ? The rosé "Perles Grises" is an ideal wine for aperitifs and grills. "Le Seigneur Des Mers", a light white wine, can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with oysters or seafood. To enhance the flavors of a rib steak or a cheese platter, opt for an organic red wine from the “Naturally” range.
Cognac, the DNA of Oléron viticulture
Renowned throughout the world, Cognac is a double-distilled blend made from several white grape varieties, with Ugni Blanc being the dominant grape variety. In the 16th century, winemakers had the good idea of burning wines of unequal quality a second time, although they were nevertheless produced in very large quantities. In this way, they obtained a pure eau-de-vie at 70 % which, mixed with water, gave birth to Cognac.
Since 1936, Cognac has benefited from a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC), with a production area divided between Charente and the Charente-Maritime, as well as some municipalities of Two-Sevres and of the Dordogne.
On theOleron Island, Cognac has found a terroir that suits it. The vines flourish on sandy soils, exposed to the sea spray of the Atlantic. Aged in oak barrels, Cognac improves with time, offering lively and spicy aromas, accompanied by woody and vanilla notes. To discover: Cognac Boyard and Cognac Louis Pearl.
Pineau des Charentes, a great classic
Legend has it that in 1589, a Charente winemaker accidentally mixed grape must with cognac brandy. When the barrel was opened a few years later, Pineau des Charentes was born! The recipe has not changed since then. Created in 1946, Le Soleil d'Oléron is one of the oldest brands of Pineau des Charentes on the Atlantic coast.
The Pineaux family is available in white, rosé and red wines, mainly from emblematic grape varieties such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Colombard, Merlot, Montils, Sémillon and Ugni Blanc. These noble grape varieties give Pineau this inimitable aromatic sweetness.
Our good addresses: sales, tasting and wine tourism visits
– The Winegrowers’ Cellar from Oleron : the winegrowers' shop offers Charente wines, cognacs and pineaux (all year round from Monday to Saturday, visits with tasting by appointment) – 37 Avenue de Bonnemie 17310 Saint Pierre d'Oléron.
– The Favre vineyard: independent winemaker, Pascal Favre offers his organic wine and pineau in the hamlet of La Fromagerie (tasting, sales and guided tours of the cellar) – 6 Route de l'Étang, 17310 Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron.
– Le Vignoble Vincent: independent producer of Oléron wines and spirits using sustainable agriculture (guided tour of the wine estate, cellars and vines, free tasting) – 73 route des Châteliers, 17310 Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron.
– The distillery at Saint George of Oléron : guided tour of the eau-de-vie aging cellar, tasting of Pineaux and Cognac and on-site sales – 368 Rue du Cellier, 17190 Saint-Georges-d'Oléron.
photo © Elsa COEFFE / CMT