Picpoul is a white grape variety from the Languedoc that is most famously linked to the coastal appellation of Picpoul de Pinet, whose crisp, lemony wines are a perfect match for the local oysters.
Picpoul makes a refreshing, lively, mouth-filling wine, bright with citrus, green apple and occasionally saline and coniferous flavours. Most Picpoul is unoaked and best drunk young.
Picpoul is widely believed to be native to the Languedoc, where it is recorded since at least the 17th century. The variety is also claimed as a native grape by Catalonia, just across the Spanish border.
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Picpoul’s primary home is the coastal Languedoc appellation of Picpoul de Pinet; however the variety is also permitted, if rarely used, as part of a Châteauneuf du Pape blend in the Southern Rhône. As Picapoll, the variety can be found in Catalonia, north-west Spain. There are also small-scale plantings in US and Australia.
Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France
There is a legend that Picpoul, also spelt Piquepoul, translates as “stings the lip” in the local Occitan language, a reference to its high acidity. The variety also occurs in rarely found red and pink mutations.
- Domaine Félines Jourdan, Picpoul de Pinet
- Domaine Gaujal, Picpoul de Pinet
- Cave de l’Ormarine, Picpoul de Pinet
- Bodegas Abadal, Plà de Bagés, Catalonia
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Avello, Feher Piquepoul, Extra, Picapolla, Picpoul, Picpoul de Pinet
