Domaine La Croix Gratiot, Picpoul de Pinet

Country: France Region: Eastern Languedoc, Languedoc

Varietal: Picpoul de Pinet Vintage: 2018 

Colour: White Style: Dry

Producer: Domaine La Croix Gratiot

Description:
Owned by brothers Yves and Hugues Ricome for over 30 years, Domaine La Croix Gratiot covers 27 hectares in Montagnac in the Coteaux du Languedoc. After years of selling to the local cooperative, Yves started bottling his own wine in 2005. His daughter Anaïs has now taken charge, after working for some time in New Zealand with Matt Thomson, and makes wonderfully pure wines that reflect the potential of the local varieties with which she works. The domaine has been practising biodynamic since 2016 and is currently in conversion. The first certified vintage will be in 2021.

Vineyards:
The Picpoul grapes grow close to the commune of Mèze on a chalky plateau. The proximity of the zone to the sea means cool maritime breezes moderate the climate, making it ideal for growing this white grape variety. Its naturally high acidity is
retained to give a wine of real interest and liveliness.

Vinification:
The grapes were harvested at night to ensure they were cool when they arrived at the winery. This meant that the delicate fruit character was kept fresh before pressing, and the aromatic style of the wine was guaranteed. The wine was fermented and stored in stainless steel tanks which ensured no oxidation of the precious stone fruit character. A cool fermentation (around 15°C) also helped preserve the fruit purity. The wine rested on fine lees for three months prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes:
This wine is bright yellow in colour with youthful highlights. Vibrant citrus aromas of lime and grapefruit are on the nose. The palate is full but extremely well balanced, with fresh Picpoul acidity and pure fruit flavours. The finish is long and mouth-watering, with complexity of stone fruit, spice and minerality.