(patouê saintonjhouê, jhabrail) was once spoken throughout Saintonge, as well as in the provinces of Aunis and Angoumois. The region is famous for its grapes, which are used to produce cognac and Pineau des Charentes. Government Following the governmental reforms of 1773, the County of Saintonge formed part of the ([Gouvernement-Général de Saintonge et Angoumois). Following the Decree dividing France into departments announced on 22 December 1789, the County of Saintonge was disestablished. The majority of the county formed the majority of the new Department of Charente-Maritime, while the south-eastern portion formed part of the Department of Charente, and the northernmost part formed part of the Department of Deux-Sevrès. See also Saintonge Regiment References Derœux, D. & Dufournier, D. 1991. "Réflexions sur la diffusion de la céramique très decorée d’origine française en Europe du nord-ouest XIII-XIVe siècles", Archéologie médiévale 21, pp. 163–77. Geography of Charente Geography of Charente-Maritime Geography of Deux-Sèvres Geography of Dordogne History of Nouvelle-Aquitaine History of Charente History of Charente-Maritime History of Deux-Sèvres History of Dordogne Santones Former counties of France Former provinces of France