FRANCE
Zazou Picpoul de Pinet
Stretching along the Thau lagoon to the west of the Mediterranean’s Golfe de Lyon lies the largest white wine producing area in the Languedoc, the appellation is called Picpoul de Pinet, covering a surface of 1 400 ha only. The terroir consists of a triangle between the cities of Agde, Pézenas and Sète. The vineyards lie on a limestone plateau basking in the rising sun, covered with perfumed garrigue, and scattered pine groves.
Picpoul was originally called Piquant-Paul, and then it became known as Picapulla, to become Piquepouille, it is known today as Piquepoul or Picpoul. It is one of the oldest white wine varieties planted in the Languedoc, it has been in the area since the 1700’s.
The ancient Roman "Via Domitienne" runs right through the area, dividing it into two distinctive terroirs.
North: Rolling hills of garrigue, pines and vines with rocky outcrops, the soil dates from the Cretaceous period (+/- 100m years) and Miocene (+/-15m years) periods.
Here the climate is warmer and more humid than on the coastal strip. Abundant garrigue, Mediterranean type of vegetation, grows in this area.
South: Flatter landscape consisting of weathered, sandy stones crisscrossed with deep furrows and low hills, sweeping straight to the sea. Only vines grow in this area with a climate tempered by sea breezes and mist.
White Piquepoul neutralizes the salt and iodine in shellfish and other crustaceans and is the ideal pairing with oysters, it is also surprisingly good with rich cheeses and charcuterie.