Definition: pineau des charentes

For my part, I note that the blend of grape varieties used in its production, whether white or red, does not include Pineau d'Aunis, Pineau de Loire, etc., nor Pinot Noir or other varieties from the Pinot family.
The mystery remains, and the answers are invariably:
"Regarding the origin of Pineau des Charentes, we have not found any more information than what is available on the official website."
Pineau des Charentes
It is said that in the olden days, towards the end of the 16th century, a worker in a Cognac cellar made the mistake of pouring new wine into a barrel that still contained a quantity of Cognac. Pineau des Charentes is said to be the result of this negligence. It has been produced ever since, initially in small quantities for regional consumption, then, from the First World War onwards, for the market.
To be entitled to this name, Pineau des Charentes must be made by a cognac producer in one of the departments of Charente or Charente-Maritime, and only with their own grapes.
Source: Encyclopaedia of Wines and Spirits from Around the World by Alexis Lichine.
The Legend (another version)
1589, the result of a happy coincidence. There is a legend that tells how Pineau des Charentes is not only the fruit of the vine, but also the fruit of chance. In 1589, when Henry IV ascended the throne of France, a Charente winegrower accidentally poured grape must into a barrel containing Cognac brandy during the harvest. He then stored the barrel in the cellar of the seigneurial estate. A few years later, during a bountiful harvest, he needed the precious barrel. He was surprised to discover a wonderful beverage, clear and sunny like the land of Charentes. Pineau des Charentes was born.


The rest is a matter of patience and know-how... Further information is available on the official website at the following Internet link: