Everything About Picpoul-Blanc Grape

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Description Icon Picpoul-Blanc Description

Origin: Languedoc, France
History: Picpoul Blanc, also known as Piquepoul Blanc, is an ancient white grape variety from the Languedoc region in southern France. The name 'Picpoul' translates to 'lip-stinger,' referencing the grape's naturally high acidity. Historically, it was used in blends and for producing vermouth, but in recent years, it has gained popularity as a single-varietal wine, especially in the Picpoul de Pinet appellation, where it produces crisp, seafood-friendly white wines.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, light-skinned berries with a greenish-yellow hue.
Growing Traits: Picpoul Blanc is a late-budding and late-ripening variety that thrives in sandy, well-drained soils, particularly in coastal regions. It is susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, requiring careful vineyard management. The grape's high acidity makes it well-suited to warm climates, where it retains freshness despite the heat.
Food Pairing Icon Food Pairing
Picpoul Blanc's high acidity and citrus notes make it an excellent match for seafood dishes, particularly oysters, mussels, and grilled fish. It also pairs well with light salads, goat cheese, and Mediterranean cuisine, complementing flavors like olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light to medium-bodied with a crisp and refreshing profile, offering subtle complexity. Typically vinified dry, though it can exhibit ripe fruit characteristics. As a white grape variety, Picpoul Blanc has negligible tannin levels, resulting in a smooth mouthfeel. High acidity, providing vibrancy and enhancing its food-pairing versatility. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 12-13%, contributing to its balanced character.
Green apple Taste Note Green apple
Orange blossom Taste Note Orange blossom
Lemon Taste Note Lemon
Thyme Taste Note Thyme
Saline Taste Note Saline
Picpoul Blanc wines are characterized by bright flavors of green apple and lemon, with floral notes of citrus blossom and hints of fresh thyme. A distinctive saline quality often emerges, reflecting the grape's coastal origins. The palate is typically dry, with high acidity and a refreshing finish.
Regions
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France
•Languedoc
•Rhône Valley
[object Object] Region
Spain
•Catalonia
[object Object] Region
United States
•California
Notable Wines and Producers
Picpoul de Pinet
•Domaine Félines Jourdan
•La Cave de Pomerols
•Domaine Delsol
Pla de Bages Picapoll
•Abadal
•Oller del Mas

Picpoul-Blanc FAQ

Languedoc, France

Picpoul-Blanc has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Picpoul-Blanc is Moderate to Light bodied.

Picpoul-Blanc has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Picpoul-Blanc is Dry.

Languedoc, France

Picpoul-Blanc is grown in France (Languedoc, Rhône Valley)Spain (Catalonia)United States (California).

Picpoul Blanc wines are characterized by bright flavors of green apple and lemon, with floral notes of citrus blossom and hints of fresh thyme. A distinctive saline quality often emerges, reflecting the grape's coastal origins. The palate is typically dry, with high acidity and a refreshing finish.

Picpoul Blanc's high acidity and citrus notes make it an excellent match for seafood dishes, particularly oysters, mussels, and grilled fish. It also pairs well with light salads, goat cheese, and Mediterranean cuisine, complementing flavors like olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Picpoul Blanc wines are characterized by bright flavors of green apple and lemon, with floral notes of citrus blossom and hints of fresh thyme. A distinctive saline quality often emerges, reflecting the grape's coastal origins. The palate is typically dry, with high acidity and a refreshing finish.