Tournee du Sud – Picpoul de Pinet – 2023

PRODUCER NOTE:
What a great concept – a Tour of the South of France – get out the vélo and let’s join the touriste-routiers. But why be part of the peloton when you can attack from the front, and make wine which really matters and offer wine lovers liberté de choix? Hence, among the delights on offer here is a beautiful Picpoul de Pinet – the fish wine – a vivacious Grenache Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc blend and a quite beautiful and unusual Grenache/ Pinot Noir blend.

VINTAGE:
In most of the region, the 2023 growing season started well. An average winter, dry in some places but sufficient rainfall in others and no damaging frosts took place. Rainfall in May and June required vigilance in the vineyards amid disease pressure in the humid climate. Much of the region experienced extreme drought during the summer months and a four-day heatwave starting on 20th August brought temperatures of 43°C and resulted in an early harvest, but as Picpoul Blanc is a late ripening varietal it was less affected than other white grapes. 2023 produced wines with good sugar and acidity balance, which were fresher than the 2022s.

VINEYARD:
The grapes are grown for us by an eco-friendly producer, who uses sustainable agricultural practices in the vineyard. The vineyard sits at an elevated position, with clay and limestone soils, which impart elegance to the wine. As the daytime temperatures can be hot, harvesting is carried out at night, to keep the grapes cool, retain the freshness and avoid any oxidation of the berries.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were harvested at optimal maturity levels and transported immediately to the winery where they were macerated and gently pressed in a pneumatic press. The juice was cold settled and fermented with selected yeasts at low temperatures in stainless steel vats, to preserve the freshness and aromatics of the Picpoul Blanc variety.

TASTING NOTE:
A poised and refreshing Picpoul with lifted aromas of grapefruit, citrus, stone fruits and delicate notes of acacia flowers. Richly concentrated with a zingy acidity and a salty tang on the mouthwatering finish.

GRAPE:
Picpoul Blanc 100%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Languedoc

SUB-REGION:
Picpoul de Pinet