A new year, a new grape. Great acidity and aroma.
WINE DETAILS:
- Grape: Piquepoul Blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Wine: Picpoul de Pinet
- Vintage: 2017
- Winery: Les Costières de Pomerols
- Location: AOP, Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France
- Date: 1/2/21
- Distributor: Total Wines
Curious Synonyms: Avello, Extra, Languedocien, Picapolla, Picpoul de Pinet
Nerd Alert: One of the oldest Languedoc grapes, the Piquepoul has been growing near the Thau Lagoon for centuries. White is the most common, though both blush and black grapes are to be found. As early as 1618, the botanist J.B. Maniol cited Piquepoul as one of the best known Languedoc grapes in his work “Sylve plantarium”. The grapes grow in loose bunches, are oval shaped and come off easily. That is why, in the olden days, trays were often placed beneath the vines to catch falling grapes. Both the blanc and noir versions of Piquepoul are permitted blending grapes for the production of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After the Great French Wine Blight, when large shifts in varieties planted took place, Piquepoul lost popularity due to its susceptibility to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and its low yield.
Personal Note: The first time I heard about this grape was when I was reading about Picpoul de Pinet, the sub AOC in Languedoc as either Wine Spectator or Enthusiast was talking about how it was a new wine to pay attention to. I started reading about it since I knew nothing about it and learned about the grape. Since it’s not available in Puerto Rico, I bought it at Total Wine on a trip to Florida. I’ve been wanting to try this wine for a while now. I’ve had it stored for three years and I think that was a mistake. I should have drunk it earlier. On the nose it was still all there floral but not overpowering, just subtle hints and the acidity was wonderful. But then it died quickly on palate. I wonder if it was because it’s not meant for aging. Regardless I shared this wine with my family as the first wine of the year and of this third round.
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*Sources for the wine facts are from: Wine Searcher, Wikipedia, Vivino, wine.com, and the wineries websites.
