Saint-Peyre Picpoul de Pinet

Picpoul (sometimes spelled “Piquepoul”) is one of the oldest grape varieties in the south of France. It is often blended into regional wines, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Picpoul on its own, especially from the Pinet area, gives exceptional results. Here, the vineyards are planted on the shores of the Étang de Thau, a saltwater lagoon that is the largest and deepest of all lagoons in the area. It truly resembles an inland sea, separated from the Mediterranean Sea by just a narrow strip of sand. The coastal breezes moderate the hot climate, and allow the grapes to retain their freshness.

Picpoul wines are unassuming, in the best possible way: juicy, lemony, often with a salty touch, like it has in this case. It’s sometimes said that Picpoul de Pinet is southern France’s answer to Muscadet, and both seem to be made for a platter of freshly shucked oysters (the Thau lagoon provides about half of France’s oyster supply!). The wine is also great for casual sipping on the patio. Serve between 8-10 ºC and drink while it’s young, between now and 2023.