Did you know? The word Picpoul means “lip stinger” in French. This grape was given the name because of the higher acidity compared to most white wines in France. Originating in the Languedoc Roussillon appellations of Southern France, you’ll also find Picpoul growing well in Catalonia, Spain, Portugal, and with about 100 acres across the US.
Piquepoul de Pinet was from the village of Pinet, grows prolifically in this area, and has been cultivated for wines since the 1300s. Picpoul was once blended with Clairette Blanc (one of the oldest varietals of the area) to produce the wine, Picardan. Picpoul noir can be blended for the production of Chateanauf-du-Pape. Piquepout de Pinet is the name of the appellation, yet we see the wine grape referred to with the spelling as Picpoul.
You’ll find zingy citrus notes of lime and lemon intermingling with juicy grapefruit, green apple, white flower blossoms, plus the minerality of limestone and brine. These wines pair well with seafood dishes such as salmon, swordfish, scallops, clams, oysters, nearly any dish with a rich cream or butter sauce, and rich cheeses.
Lost Draw Picpoul Blanc– Texas High Plains ($32 bottle) Only 3 viable acres Picpoul are planted in Texas, and all are owned by Andy Timmons, who is one of the owning partners of Lost Draw. There’s another 20 acres more recently planted and it will be a grape we see more and more of in the future. In this current vintage, you’ll find bright flavors and a mouth watering acidity, making this a perfectly refreshing summer wine.
Bending Branch Picpoul Blanc Hall Ranch Vineyard 2014– Paso Robles, California ($32 bottle). While Bending Branch is a Texas winery, established by the Young family in 2009. Their Comfort tasting room was recently named number 3 on the USA Today’s 10 Best list. This Picpoul is an older vintage, with grapes coming from the warm region of Paso Robles, and is aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels to add structure and texture.
Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2018– Languedoc Roussillon, France ($19 bottle). Grown on the sun-drenched hillsides of coastal France, this grape thrives in the area. Founded in 1932 as part of a vineyard cooperative, these vines are 15 to 20 years old. The bottle of the Piquepoul de Pinet is called “Neptune” and is a sleek green bottle with embossed Languedoc cross in the glass.
