Cognac and Pineau Roussille

Based in Libourdeau, in the commune of Linars, Maison Roussille is one of the family-run estates that carry on the Charente’s winemaking heritage on the outskirts of Angoulême. Founded in 1863, it now produces Pineaux des Charentes, Cognacs, wines, liqueurs and grape juice.

History and origins

The history of Maison Roussille dates back to 1863. The family’s ancestors initially worked the land before gradually turning to viticulture. The estate developed in Libourdeau, a small village in Linars situated on a hillside in the heart of the Charente.

A significant milestone came in 1928, when Gaston Roussille began blending Cognac and Pineau. Following the economic hardships of the 1930s and the war, he gradually expanded the vineyard and the facilities required for production.

From the 1940s and 1950s onwards, the company began marketing its products beyond the Charente region. Gaston Roussille took part in numerous fairs and exhibitions, helping to raise the profile of Pineau des Charentes.

The family tradition continued with Christian Roussille, and then with Pascal Roussille, who joined the company in 1978 after training in viticulture and oenology.

Expertise

Maison Roussille has mastered the various stages involved in transforming grapes into products that are emblematic of the Charente region.

The estate features a wine press, a distillery, stills and a ageing cellar. A tour therefore offers a hands-on insight into the production process.

The estate states that it practises sustainable agriculture, adopting an environmentally friendly approach recognised by the “Des Terres et des Ailes” scheme.

The range

• Pineau des Charentes. The house offers several varieties of Pineau: white, rosé, red, as well as aged vintages. The Pineau Roussille, in particular, has regularly been awarded distinctions or featured in the Guide Hachette des Vins.
• Cognac. The range includes, in particular, a *** Cognac, older Cognacs, an XO and vintage releases. The *** Cognac is described as young, fruity and spicy, and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.
• Liqueurs. The house also produces liqueurs, notably a pear-flavoured Cognac liqueur, combining the fruity notes of pear with those of Charente brandy.
• Wines. The estate also produces a range of white, red and rosé wines.
• Grape juice. The estate rounds off its range with grape juice, including a sparkling version.

The signature product

Pineau des Charentes Roussille is, of course, one of the products you simply must try.

The estate offers several styles, ranging from white Pineau to red, including rosé and aged vintages. The Guide Hachette has notably described certain vintages for their notes of red berries, jam, honey, lime blossom and even walnuts.

As an aperitif, it is best enjoyed chilled. Older Pineau vintages can also be served with a meal or used in cooking. The estate also offers Pineau confits, designed in particular for foie gras, cheeses or desserts.

The visitor’s experience

This is one of the highlights of Maison Roussille: the discovery doesn’t end with the bottle.

The tour, lasting approximately 1½ to 2 hours, takes you on a journey to discover:

• the wine press;
• the traditional tools;
• the distillery;
• the stills;
• the ageing cellar;
• the stages involved in making Cognac and Pineau;
• a tasting of the house’s products.

A wonderful opportunity to see for yourself how the terroir and the family’s hard work give rise to the house’s two great specialities.

The estate is situated in the immediate vicinity of Angoulême, making it an interesting stop-off for exploring the vineyards and spirits of the Charente region in the Angoumois.

Where can you find the products?

Maison Roussille offers direct sales at its premises in Linars as well as an online shop. The range includes Pineaux, Cognacs, liqueurs, grape juice and culinary products.

Key points

Roussille Cognac and Pineau is a family business that began in 1863 in Linars, where winemaking, distillation and ageing have been passed down from generation to generation.

To discover the Charente region in a different light, step inside this family-run business: the tour takes you from the vineyard to the cellar, before finishing with a tasting of Pineau and Cognac.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.