from the very talented Julie Benau. Unlike many in the region, Benau only uses estate fruit and does not sell any of her grapes to a co-op. The estate is centered around the family's 16th century farmhouse, and more recently Julie has made waves by experimenting with aging some wines on the bottom of the sea.
(Picpoul translates to "lip-stinger" due to the lip-smacking acidity of this varietal)
Picpoul de Pinet is an appellation composed of 6 communes in front of the bay of Thau, near Sète between Bezier and Montpellier. The land is rich with rocky soil and hillsides producing sunny and noble wine. All of the vineyards in Picpoul de Pinet share a southern exposition, are sheltered by inland hills from the NW wind, enjoy lots of sunshine and the moderation of summer heat by humid ocean breezes.
minerality & salinity, think a breeze off the Mediterranean, with ripe orchard fruit, nice body and mid-palate texture. Dry and delicious, this really impressed us at one of our recent tastings, more complex than expected at this price point - think Sancerre or Etna Bianco. The label art depicts the anatomy of an oyster - so you know this is an amazing pairing with any seafood.
region: Languedoc, France
varietal: 100% Picpoul
style: crisp refreshing white
farming/cellar: certified organic, practicing biodynamic, extended lees aging (7 months), vinified in steel, minimal added so2
pairing: oysters, cheese board, grilled shrimp,
