Domaine La Croix Gratiot, Picpoul de Pinet

Country: France Region: Eastern Languedoc, Languedoc

Varietal: 100% Picpoul de Pinet

Vintage: 2018 Colour: White Style: Dry

Producer: Domaine La Croix Gratiot

PRODUCER
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 mouthwatering, with
complexity of stone fruit, spice and minerality.