If you’re a white wine lover, Picpoul de Pinet is on your radar, right? If not, it should be. While experiencing so much of what the Languedoc can offer during a recent visit, every wine I sipped from Picpoul de Pinet reminded me of the joy and spontaneity of summer holidays – joie-de-vivre! Pure and clear with dashes of green in the glass, gentle aromas of white and yellow flowers and bright citrus led to a lively palate bursting with freshness, vibrant acidity and structure. Truly, Picpoul (Piquepoul) Blanc, the only white variety cultivated in the region, is a white wine lover’s delight.
Close to the Mediterranean sea, this area in the Languedoc AOC has been producing wine for centuries and is the largest white wine producer in the entire region. In fact, Picpoul de Pinet is responsible for 61% of the Languedoc’s still white wine production. The region forms a triangle of sorts with Agde, Pézenas and Sète. The appellation overlooks the Thau lagoon (to the west of the Mediterranean Golfe de Lyon) and its oyster shacks. Production areas include Pinet, Pomérols, Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac, Mèze and Florensac with 24 private wine estates and 4 cooperatives.
Two distinct terroirs are divided by the ancient Roman “Via Domitienne.” On the north, land dates back millions of years during the Cretaceous and Miocene periods. Pines, garrigue and vines alternate with rocky outcrops and Mediterranean vegetation thrives. The climate in the north is more hot and humid than its coastal neighbor to the south where flatter land with sandy stones, furrows and low hills stretch to the sea. Vines, the only plants in this southern section, enjoy the gentle sea breezes and mist.
The weather pattern is characterized by minimal rainfall, moderate winters and dry summers – typically Mediterranean. The maritime influence results in temperature variations – the breezes from the sea limit the daytime heat and the lagoon waters protect the land from low, nighttime temperature dips.
Since Picpoul Blanc ripens late, the warm and humid breezes help it mature. Grapes grow in loose bunches and drop easily from the vines. Apparently, in the “old days,” trays were placed beneath the vines to catch falling grapes!
Picpoul – Photo Credit: Gold Medal Wine Club
It’s impossible not to experience a true sense of joie-de-vivre when sipping Picpoul! I can attest to that… Whether tasting an array of wines in a serene courtyard enjoyed with savory canapes or on a catamaran gliding along the lagoon with freshly caught and shucked oysters, I was in wine-nirvana.
Picpoul is exceptional with shellfish and seafood as well as classic Mediterranean dishes, white meat, cheeses and even chocolate. Meant to be enjoyed cool and young (Picpoul does have aging potential, by the way), serve refreshing, easy drinking Picpoul by the pool, lake or beach, at a picnic in the park, on the boat, on your back porch with a good friend. Anywhere and anytime you want to add a significant amount of joie-de-vivre to your life, open a bottle of Picpoul.
5 Memorable Wines from Picpoul de Pinet
I tasted plenty of choices and appreciated each. However, the following wines are some of my favorites.
Les Vignerons de Florensac AOP Picpoul de Pinet “Selection” – Cultivated on mostly clay-limestone and gravelly soil, fresh fruit aromas of peaches and pears wafted from the glass of this award-winning wine. Full in body, vibrant acidity and minerality on the palate led to a gentle, satisfying finish.
Domaine Felines Jourdan AOP Picpoul de Pinet AOP 2018 – Elegant and rich, beautiful aromas and flavors of candied citrus, honeysuckle and white peaches were inspiring… perhaps, this wine is responsible for my superior dance moves on the catamaran.
Domaine Gaujal AOP Picpoul de Pinet 1744 – The Domaine has been in the family since 1744, thus the name on the label. Complex from the first sip to the last, notes of honey, white florals, citrus and a round mouthfeel were a lush complement to a variety of foods. Thanks to its structure, this wine can age up to 4 years.
Mas Saint Laurent AOP Picpoul de Pinet 2018 – Located in the middle of the garrigue about 800 meters from the Thau basin is Mas Saint Laurent. This wine had personality to match its incredible refreshing and flavorful profile. Citrus, herbs, sea breeze and sunshine burst from the glass.
Domaine Reine Juliette AOP Picpoul de Pinet 2019 – As striking as the Queen herself, this wine boasted exotic fruits, peaches, bright citrus and a hint of sweetness on the nose and palate.
*Note: If you’re unable to find the wines mentioned above at your local wine shop, please look for available choices of Picpoul de Pinet with similar styles and prices.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Lisa Denning