From: Languedoc, France
Varietal: Picpoul
Taste: This lovely, bright, white wine is vivacious and refreshing, exhibiting an attractive array of citrus fruits and floral aromas. Flavors of lemon, lime, green apple, and grapefruit dance on the palate, backed by subtle mineral notes. This wine is best enjoyed young, as its vibrancy fades quickly.
Pairing: As "the Muscadet of the South," this wine is a natural partner to fresh shellfish and seafood (check out the recipe below!), but its adaptability doesn't stop there. It's an excellent match for fried appetizers, raw oysters, sushi, and Mediterranean-themed fish dishes, even fried calamari, thanks to its high acidity and zest.
Fragrant Thai-Style Clams in Coconut Broth
By David Tanis
About. In the beautiful sun-kissed terrains of the Languedoc region in France lies the hidden gem of the Mediterranean, the Cave de Pomerols Kysela HB Picpoul de Pinet. From the well-regarded 2021 vintage, this exquisite white wine is a stellar representative of the region's indigenous Picpoul grape.
Picpoul, also known as Piquepoul, is a traditional local varietal rooted on the sun-drenched "costières" or coastal slopes in the Mediterranean garrigue, near the Etang de Thau, a serene lagoon tucked between the port of Sète and Marseillan. The varietal's pedigree has earned it the nickname "the Muscadet of the South," drawing a close parallel with Albariño of northwest Spain. The wine is revered for its affinity with shellfish and seafood, whether grilled monkfish or crayfish bisque, thanks to its refreshing and zesty palate.
The vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet have a rich and ancient history dating back to Roman times. Here, tradition and terroir marry seamlessly, producing a wine that enjoyed a fashionable reputation as early as 1860, during Napoleon III's reign. Echoing this illustrious past, each cask of Piquepoul has been branded with the community's coat of arms since 1773. The exclusivity of the grape in Picpoul de Pinet contributes to its distinct floral, citrusy perfume, and lively palate, making it an excellent partner to the region's Bouzigue shellfish and oysters.
The Cave de Pomerols, established in 1932, is located in the premium commune of Pomérols, nestled between the garrigue of Pezenas and the sea, with the Mont St Clair in Sete reigning supreme. The cooperative has grown to incorporate 350 members since its merger with the Caves of Castelnau de Guers and Mèze, in 2003 and 2007 respectively. The property has three main structures dedicated to different stages of wine production, including a cave for barrel aging housing 300 oak barrels.
The cooperative members preside over a sprawling 2,100 hectares (5,189 acres) of vineyard land, including 450 hectares (1,112 acres) dedicated to Picpoul de Pinet. These vineyards, layered with garrigue soil, sandy stone deposits, and clay/calcareous soils, foster a diverse range of varietals including Piquepoul, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Terret, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan. The region's production is primarily white (54%), followed by rosé (28%), and red (18%).
The 2021 Cave de Pomerols Kysela HB Picpoul de Pinet is born from vines aged 15-20 years, lovingly tended under sustainable farming practices. The wine is carefully vinified to preserve its distinct character. Harvested at night to ensure optimal maturity, the grapes are protected against oxidation. Post-harvest, they are subjected to pneumatic pressing and selection of free-run juice under inert gas. Cold settling follows for 48 hours at 8°C (46°F), leading to temperature-controlled fermentation (15° C - 59°F), and deliberately bypassing malolactic fermentation.
This thoughtful process culminates in a wine with an acidity of 3.56, a pH of 3.32, residual sugar of 0.47 g/liter, total sulfites of 103 PPM, and free sulfites of 29 PPM. The resulting wine presents a splendid pale yellow hue with bright highlights. The nose is elegant, graced by fresh fruit and citrus aromas, particularly grapefruit. On the palate, it's well-balanced with zesty acidity, showcasing the pure expression of Picpoul when nurtured in its favored terroir.
