Picpoul de Pinet, the White Wine of the Thau Lagoon

Picpoul de Pinet is the white wine we drink here when it’s hot and there are shellfish on the table. An honest, fresh wine with no pretension, and it does its job well.

The appellation is tiny. Six villages around the Thau lagoon, between Agde and Sète. Pinet, Mèze, Florensac (yes, that’s us), Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac, and Pomérols. That’s it.

A grape variety that endured

Picpoul (also spelled piquepoul) is an old grape variety. It was already planted here well before phylloxera hit. Its name comes from Occitan: “pica pola”, meaning “it stings the lip”. And it’s true, there’s a little bite of acidity in the mouth that makes it recognisable.

Many white grape varieties from the Languedoc have disappeared or been replaced by chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. Picpoul held on. It likes limestone soils, wind, and heat. It belongs here.

What you’ll find in the glass

A Picpoul de Pinet is pale yellow with green highlights. On the nose, citrus (lemon, grapefruit), sometimes a touch of white blossom. On the palate, dry, lively, with good acidity. Vinified in stainless steel, no barrel ageing, made to be drunk young.

Drink it within a year or two. No need to cellar it. It’s a wine for aperitifs, terraces, and lunch.

What to drink it with

The classic answer: Bouzigues oysters. And it’s true, the pairing is spot on. The acidity of the wine, the salt of the oyster. Simple and it works.

But Picpoul also goes very well with:

• Mussels from the Thau lagoon
• Grilled fish (sea bass, sea bream)
• Shellfish in general
• Octopus salad
• Marinated anchovies
• A plate of fresh goat cheese

Basically, anything from the sea or anything light and fresh.

Estates to visit

Several estates around Florensac and Pinet welcome visitors for tastings. Prices at the cellar door are very reasonable, often between 5 and 9 euros a bottle.

Cave de l’Ormarine (Pinet)

The historic cooperative. It brings together a large share of the appellation’s winemakers. Their “Duc de Morny” cuvée is a classic. The shop is large, well kept, with a good selection. Free tasting.

Domaine Félines Jourdan (Mèze)

A family estate with a lovely view over the lagoon. Their Picpoul wines are consistent and well made. Visits by appointment.

Cave Les Costières de Pomérols

Another local cooperative, with a wide range. Their “Beauvignac” Picpoul offers good value for money.

A bit of history

Picpoul de Pinet was granted its AOC in 2013 (before that, it was a “Coteaux du Languedoc” with a Picpoul de Pinet mention). But the wine was well known long before that. In the 17th century, it was shipped from the port of Sète to northern Europe.

Today, it’s the leading white AOP wine of the Languedoc by volume. Production is around 7 million bottles a year. You’ll find it everywhere in the region, in every seafood restaurant from Sète to Agde.

Picpoul from Florensac

This is one of the perks of staying in Florensac. We’re right in the middle of the appellation. The vines are just outside the village. By car, the Pinet cellar is 10 minutes away, Pomérols 5 minutes.

At the Florensac market (Tuesday morning), there’s often a local winemaker selling bottles directly. A good chance to chat and taste before buying.

Our rooms are right in the heart of the appellation. If you’re coming to explore the wines of the region, you’ll be well placed.