PICPOUL GET TO KNOW ... [ pik- pool ]

WHAT IS IT?

Picpoul, or piquepoul, is an ancient French grape variety. While it exists in blanc, noir and gris versions, white is the most planted variety today. Sometimes used as a blending grape, its most famous expression is as a single varietal white wine from Picpoul de Pinet, an appellation within the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France.

WHERE IS IT?

Aside from the Languedoc, picpoul is grown in the Rhône Valley (it’s permitted in the production of Châteauneuf-duPape), and in the Catalonia region of Spain where it’s known as avillo. There are also small plantings in Portugal, and in several New World regions including the United States.

Mark Lloyd from Coriole in South Australia’s McLaren Vale was responsible for Australia’s first commercial picpoul blanc vintage in 2015, with Borrowed Cuttings from NSW’s Central Ranges close behind in 2016. In the years since, other wineries around the country have experimented with single varietal picpoul wines, including Ministry of Clouds and Horner. Charles Melton in the Barossa and McLaren Vale’s Yangarra Estate also cultivate the grape; the latter uses it in its Southern Rhône-inspired blends.

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Named for its high acidity (picpoul translates to 'lip stinger'), Picpoul de Pinet wines are dry, light-bodied and green-gold in colour, with lemon, saline and, occasionally, floral (blossom) notes.

I’ LL LIKE PI CPOUL IF I LIKE…

Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, vinho verde or other crisp, easy-drinking white wine.

WHAT DOES IT PAIR WITH?

Picpoul has a natural affinity with oysters (it’s often called ‘the oyster wine’) but pairs well with a range of shellfish and fish. Its high acidity means it also cuts through fried or other rich, fatty foods.

WINES TO TRY

• 2020 For Oyster Club Picpoul De Pinet, Meze–Languedoc

• 2022 Coriole Vineyards Piquepoul, McLaren Vale

• 2022 Ministry Of Clouds Picpoul, McLaren Vale

• 2020 Domaine Félines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc