Picpoul de Pinet, in southern France, has been producing wine for round 2000 years, however the wider world solely actually caught on in the previous few many years. You wouldn’t suppose such a tiny area may very well be filled with so many surprises, however with award-winning wines and gastronomic delights, flocks of flamingoes and sandy seashores, this coastal area is a bit of gem to not be missed.
In case you aren’t heading for the south of France this summer time, then as you top off the wine fridge, why not carry a bit of liquid sunshine to your glass as a substitute? Ditch the outdated favourites, equivalent to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio; it’s time for a change. Whereas there are many wine producers within the area, we visited Ormarine, which has Picpoul de Pinet wines that we really feel need to take pleasure of place in your wine rack.
Within the early a part of the twentieth century, the growers within the area have been forward-thinking sufficient to create an alliance, with 53 of them becoming a member of forces to type the “Affiliation of white wine producers of Pinet.”
The affiliation, pushed by a ardour for excellence, labored collectively to enhance the standard of the wines produced within the area. Utilizing solely Piquepoul grapes grown inside the particular terroir, they created a novel and high-quality product that began to realize higher recognition within the wine world.
That work finally paid off, as greater than 60 years later, in 1985, Picpoul de Pinet was awarded AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Picpoul de Pinet). Recognition of the appellation was a significant milestone for the area, and this authentic cooperative was the premise for what’s now Ormarine, the biggest producer of Picpoul wines worldwide.
The flavour of Picpoul de Pinet is exclusive, and this may solely be attributed to vines. Situated on the southern slopes simply above the Etang de Thau, the biggest of the string of lagoons which stretch alongside the French coast, the winery advantages from the winds that carry the moisture up the hillside in the course of the day. Not solely do they nourish the vines, however in addition they subdue the worst of the summer time warmth. This uncommon microclimate means the grapes ripen later than others within the Languedoc area, making them naturally excessive in acidity and freshness.
The nice and cozy summer time breezes carry a touch of salt to the hillside as they cross the mildly salty lake, gathering moisture which makes its solution to the vines and the soil they develop in. This provides a bit of minerality to the completed wines, producing flavours distinctive to Picpoul de Pinet wines.
A number of choices from Ormarine can be found within the UK — at present its greatest market — every with a subtly totally different fashion and flavour whereas retaining the minerality and citrus notes that characterise Picpoul de Pinet.
Picpoul de Pinet Villemarin 2023 From £10
Villermarin Picpoul de Pinet is quick changing into a favorite wine in our family. Its easy-to-drink nature makes it a winner for relaxed consuming with buddies or accompanying a meal.
It’s delicate however aromatic on the nostril, with a lot of citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. On the palate, that zestiness is bolstered by the mineral notes, which give freshness to every mouthful. The end is lengthy with loads of salinity to maintain the tastebuds tingling.
Like all Picpoul wines, it really works splendidly with fish and seafood or white meats and cheeses.
Picpoul de Pinet Cuvée Estela 2023 From £12
Cuvée Estela is aged on the lees, which provides complexity and flavour to the wine. The zesty notes we affiliate with Picpoul wines are joined by creamier notes with hints of white stone fruits. Aged in acacia barrels, a contact comes by within the wine, enhancing the flavour profile additional.
It’s medium-bodied and filled with vibrant freshness that fantastically enhances each seafood and sunshine.
Ormarine Additional Brut 2020 £17.50
In case you’re on the lookout for a glowing wine that would be the speaking level of your banquet, then Ormarine Additional Brut ought to be in your ice bucket.
Made utilizing the standard methodology — with the second fermentation within the bottle — Ormarine Additional Brut is delicate but fruity on the nostril, with contemporary apples and a touch of citrus-based acidity hitting you from the off. Mild spices and dried fruit mingle on the palate, making a rounded flavour with loads of texture. The high-quality bubbles type a creamy mouthfeel that simply leads you from glass to glass.
Regardless of which bottle you select, pairing it with contemporary oysters will likely be an absolute dream. The crinkly crustaceans are a part of Picpoul’s DNA — the Etang de Thau that helps feed the Picpoul vines and feeds the two,000 tonnes of oysters grown in its oyster beds yearly.
Samantha gave up a background in worldwide enterprise to focus on travelling and journey. As completely happy Overlanding as she is enjoyable in five-star luxurious, Sam could make a memorable expertise out of any state of affairs, and normally does. Married in Las Vegas, she enjoys bourbon and avoids planning.
