Picpoul

Picpoul, also known as Piquepoul, is a historical white grape variety widely grown in the South of France, particularly in the Languedoc region. It has an remarkable ability to retain its freshness and acidity even in the hot and arid climate of Southern France. Picpoul wines produced today are mostly dry, characterized by tangy lemony flavors and crispy, even salty minerality to them. The most well-known Picpoull wine is Picpoul de Pinet, which gained its AOC status only ten years ago, even though it has been grown since the 14th century.

Picpoul grape characteristics

Picpoul is well-suited to the hot and dry climate and sandy arid soils found in the South of France. Picpoul grape is known for its characteristic aromas that often includes green apples, lemon, citrus blossom and Mediterranean herbs such as thyme. Picpoul wines typically have a crisp acidity, with salty minerality reminiscent of the Mediterranean sea. Picpoul is usually best enjoyed young and fresh, albeit there are experiments producing Picpoul de Pinet wines with more aging potential. These Cuvée Patience wines are usually harvested later and offer more complex aromas and structure.

Picpoul wines are typically best enjoyed when young and fresh, although there have been experiments in producing aged Picpoul de Pinet wines with greater aging potential. These special cuvée, often referred to as "Cuvée Patience," are typically harvested later and offer a more complex range of aromas and a structured taste profile.

Interesting facts about Picpoul grape

The name Picpoul translates literally as stings the lip. It refers to the racy, stingy, mouthwatering acidity of the variety. Throughout the 16th to 18th century, the Picpoul grape was mostly blended with another Languedoc variety Clarette, to make a sweetish white wine called Picardin. Picpoul grape was also widely used for making vermouth, before its value in producing varietal wines was recognized.

Where is Picpoul wine from?

Picpoul originates from the Languedoc region in the South of France and is one of the oldest domestic French varieties. Languedoc and especially Picpoul de Pinet AOC is still the main production area for Picpoul wine. It is also one of the permitted varieties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in Rhone Valley, however, the area planted with Picpoul there is very small. Outside of France, Picpoul wines are produced in Catalonia Spain, and Portugal, as well as in certain parts of Arizona, Washington State and California in the USA. Young Picpoul plantings can also be found in South Australia, where it was recently introduced because of its exceptional well pairing with local oysters.

What to expect from Picpoul Wine?

One of the most renowned expressions of Picpoul wine goes by the name Picpoul de Pinet and it is produced. Beyond the well-celebrated Picpoul de Pinet, there are variations of Picpoul wines that include Picpoul Gris and Picpoul Noir.

Picpoul de Pinet

Picpoul de Pinet is a dry white wine made of Picpoul grape produced in the Languedoc region in the South of France. It has a refreshing and crispy acidity, with tangy, lemony aromas. The AOC of Picpoul de Pinet borders a large lagoon called Etang de Thau next to the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Montpellier. Etang de Thau being the center of fishing and seafood cultivation, it is no surprise that Picpoul de Pinet is a perfect match for local oysters and other fresh seafood. Due to the coastal proximity, the AOC enjoys the strong maritime influence and Mediterranean climate. The area is perfectly suitable for producing white wines, with long, hot summers and mild winters. As a late ripening variety, Picpoul especially enjoys the hot summer days and scorching Mediterranean sun to reach its ripeness.

What to pair with Picpoul Wine?

Picpouls salty minerality and lemony flavors make it a perfect pair with fresh Mediterranean seafood, such as oysters and mussels.

Picpoul also enjoys the company of salty and creamy cheeses, like Greek feta or chevre. The locals in Languedoc like to enjoy it with salt cod croquettes or grilled fish or white meat. If you are feeling adventurous, try Picpoul with some Asian food like Pad Thai!