Description
One of only two exclusively white wine AOCs in the Côteaux
de Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet overlooks the salt water lagoon of the Bassin de Thau, where oysters
and mussels are farmed. Affectionately referred to as the “Muscadet” of the south, the name ‘Picpoul’
means ‘lip-stinger’ in Occitan, referring to its naturally high acidity levels. The AOC consists of a triangle
bounded by Agde, Pézenas and Sète: a limestone plateau basking in the rising sun covered in highly
perfumed garrigue, rows of vines, and scattered pine groves.
The wine is somewhat of an anomaly -estate Picpoul – as the
lion’s share of the wines from this AOC are produced in the cooperatives. The wine shows
surprising complexity with notes of spring flowers and a streak of minerality that provide a
beautiful framework. Because the wine finishes with such clean and bracing acidity, the rich
mid-palate of melon and stone fruit is a delightful surprise. This charming wine begs for warm
& sunny days, shellfish & seafood.
