The red wine variety Piquepoul Noir is explicitly one of the permitted grape varieties in some regions of southern France, for example in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but less than 100 hectares actually produce it. The quite fertile variety produces decent yields, but mostly only alternately - only every other year. The Piquepoul Noir ripens rather late and is particularly susceptible to downy mildew and sour rot. In addition, it requires strict pruning to ensure good quality. Because of its fresh character, Piquepoul Noir is particularly suitable for producing rosé wines, but only plays a minor role in a cuvée. As a rule, it is not developed as a pure variety. Because of its small vineyard area, it is rarely found anyway. In the past it was often confused with Cinsaut. In addition to southern France, there are less than 10 hectares of vineyards in Catalonia, where, for example, the renowned producer Alvaro Palacio in Priorat relies on him. It is also approved in Spain in Monsant, where it has not yet been found.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Avillo, Kek Piquepoul, Picapouya, Picapouia, Picpouille, Picpoule, Pical Negro, Pical Pôlho, Pical, Picalpolho, Piquerette Noire, Picapoll Negra, Pique Poule
