Pineau refers to a delicious brandy-based wine from the Poitou Charentes Region of France which is usually taken as an Aperitif (Apéritif = appetizer).
An Aperitif refers to a drink, perhaps flavoured with herbs, fruits, etc. which is served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, hence it is defined as an "appetizer", often sweet or mild bitter.
Poitou Charentes lies on the west coast of France.