Picpoul, or Piquepoul, is a variety of white wine grape that is grown in France, mostly in the Languedoc region or in the Rhone Valley. This grape variety has several types—Piquepoul noir, the dark-skinnned variety and the light skinned type, Piquepoul blanc. Another type, Piquepoul gris, also exists, although it is not widely planted. Piquepoul blanc is the most planted type of the grape variety and it is grown more in France. This variety buds late in the year and has been a popular grape variety in the region. Picpoul wine was first thought to be poison, but after a well-known visitor drank a glass and labeled it safe, the myth was debunked. It was believed that the variety was initially mixed with Clairette. The grapes are high in acidity. Picpoul grapes tend to produce a low yield and are sensitive to diseases, such as oidium. In France, Piquepoul blanc is typically blended or is created into varietal wines. Both the blanc and noir types of the variety are used for Chateanuneuf-du-Pape. The grape variety creates wines that are known for their signature mineral taste, fresh citrus flavor, and high acidity. Picpoul wine pairs well with seafood dishes such as oysters, grilled fish, shrimp or crustaceans.
Cap Cette Picpoul de Pinet is made from 100 percent Picpoul de Pinet
A very popular, traditional local variety planted on sun-drenched hillsides called "costières" (coastal region) in the Mediterranean garrigue, near the Etang de Thau - a coastal lagoon situated between the port of Sète and Marseillan.
The color is a superb pale yellow with bright hues. The nose is elegant, with aromas of fresh fruit and citrus fruit especially grapefruit. Well-balanced with typical focusing and zesty acidity. A pure expression of the grape varietal, the wine shows how good Picpoul can be when grown on its favorite terroir.
It will complement a vast array of dishes such as Asian cuisine, sushi, spicy fare and all sorts of seafood and grilled fish. Enjoy!
Pomerols Picpoul Pinet HB Languedoc is made from 100 percent Picpoul.
Pale yellow color with green tints. Fresh and fine aromas of grapefruit and exotic fruit. Lime flavors, with typical focusing acidity, are hallmarks of Picpoul. Our best value, this wine impresses novices and hardened geeks equally.
Paul Hobbs George Menini Estate Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
A more reflective style of Pinot Noir from the Sebastopol Hills, our inaugural release presents deep ruby in hue with fresh raspberry, mountain strawberry, and baking spices. On the palate, notes of blue fruits, sandstone, and vanilla caress the palate, framed by supple tannins and juicy acidity creating tension. This is a bright and focused wine with a long, elegant finish.
Review:
This is so spicy, with crushed cloves, nettles and blue fruit. Sichuan spices, too. Full-bodied with juicy fruit and orange zest. Creamy and polished tannins. Wonderful depth and length. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Ancien Pinot Noir Carneros is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir Carneros comes entirely from the Toyon Vineyard, located in the Napa side of Carneros. This vineyard was originally planted for Ancien Wines in 1998 with cuttings tracing back to the Swan estate in Sonoma County and Dijon 115 - followed by cuttings from Ed Penhoet’s vineyard in Carmel Valley. Ed’s selection from River Selection is a story into itself, and is sometimes referred as “Pisoni Clone” since Gary Pisoni took cuttings from the vineyard in the early ‘80s.
Baking spice sings in an endless symphony with wild berry notes, complemented by characteristic Carneros notes of cola. Juicy cherry notes grace the palate and combine seamlessly with anise and hibiscus, ending on a savory note. The palate is round and full of textural, mouth-coating tannins balanced by a bright acidity. Broad chewy tannins, earthy spices and minerality complement the fruit and exotic floral notes of this wine. The palate of this delicious wine will continue to develop in opulence over years of aging, revealing even darker layers and an increasingly smooth texture.