Located on the Languedoc coast in the Hérault department, thePicpoul de Pinet appellation covers 1400 hectares above the Thau basin, between Agde, Sète and Pézenas. Recognized as an AOC only in 2013, this is where the great whites of the Languedoc are produced. In a region dominated by red wines, Picpoul de Pinet stands out as the Languedoc’s largest white wine region.

Which grape variety is used to make Picpoul de Pinet?

To produce Picpoul de Pinet, winegrowers use a single grape variety: Piquepoul blanc, pruned short. An old Languedoc grape variety, it has been present on the shores of the Etang de Thau since Antiquity.

While the Piquepoul grape is grown in white in the Languedoc region, it is also grown in black in Châteauneuf du Pape.

It can be produced in the communes of Mèze, Florensac, Montagnac, Pomérols, Pinet and Castelnau-de-Guers.

The name Picpoul comes from the fact that chickens used to “peck” the seeds of the Piquepoul vines, known as an easy-to-suck grape variety.

Where are Picpoul de Pinet vines planted?

The vines are planted on a limestone plateau covered with garrigue and sandy molasses.

The ancient “Voie Domitienne”, laid out by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, divides the vineyard into two distinct terroirs:

• to the north, the terroir is composed of garrigues and pine forests. With little maritime influence, it’s warmer and more humid.
• to the south, on the other hand, the sandy-clay plateaus open fully onto the sea. The climate is tempered by sea breezes and fog, and the Etang de Thau.

How to enjoy Picpoul de Pinet?

Pale gold with green highlights. The rather discreet nose is fine and pleasant, revealing aromas of acacia flower, hawthorn and exotic fruit.

On the palate, this is a lively wine, with a fine balance between acidity and structure. Round and fat on the attack, it is lively on the palate. Picpoul de Pinet can be kept for an average of 5 to 10 years.

Serve between 8 and 11°C, often with seafood, fish and traditional Mediterranean dishes, as well as cheeses and charcuterie. Connoisseurs pair it with local Bouzigues oysters.

The unmissable Picpoul de Pinet estates

Domaine des Lauriers

In Castelnau-De-Guers, the Cabrol family uses sustainable viticulture methods to produce wines that are fruity, fresh and elegant. Their AOC Picpoul de Pinet cuvées have won several “Coup de Coeur” awards from the Guide Hachette, and are fragrant, powerful and delicate at the same time.

Domaine de la Croix Gratiot

La Croix Gratiot is the story of Yves Ricome and Anaïs, his daughter, who demonstrate a genuine love of their land and a determination to make great wines. After completing a BTS in viti-oeno, she turned the estate towards organic farming, with more and more biodynamic practices, and made it the new benchmark for Picpoul.