The name of this grape variety comes from the village of Aunis, in the commune of Dampierre sur Loire. Rabelais mentions it in « Gargantua ». It was once known as Chenin noir. However, it is no way related to Chenin blanc. It is a vigorous, hardy and late budding variety. But it is demanding, difficult to grow and capricious at harvest time, when it is susceptible to rot. Its production is irregular. Pineau d’Aunis is much appreciated for its light colour, moderate alcohol content but it is above all its peppery notes (derivated from rotundone) that make it so recognisable. This is a highly aromatic grape variety: peppery, spicy and fruity.