Domaine de Castelnau Picpoul de Pinet

Salty freshness from the South of France: Domaine de Castelnau Picpoul de Pinet

Lime, white blossoms, and a subtle mineral edge – what more could you want? When it comes to fresh, dry white wine, many people immediately think of Northern France. Yet this wine from the south proves that it can be done differently. Domaine de Castelnau Picpoul de Pinet comes from the Languedoc, near the Mediterranean Sea. That is where the grapes of the grow Picpoul-variëteit practically on the beach. The constant sea breeze keeps the grapes cool, resulting in lively acidity and a distinctive salty note. A prime example of a dry, fresh white wine. Are you a fan of this type of wine? Then discover here more wines from this profile!

Perfect with oysters

Picpoul de Pinet is known as the wine for shellfish – and oysters in particular.

What do you taste at Domaine de Castelnau?

This wine is fresh and bright in character. On the nose, you detect lime, flowers, and a light salinity. The taste is bone-dry, with notes of white fruit, lemon, and a gentle spiciness. There is a slight bitterness in the finish, which adds extra tension. Striking is the pure, mineral profile that pleasantly refreshes the palate. Not only thirst-quenching, but also an excellent accompaniment to, for example:

• fresh oysters or mussels

• grilled prawns

• seafood salads

• light fish dishes such as sea bream or sole

• sushi and sashimi

Thanks to its lively acidity and briny nuance, this wine pairs perfectly with seafood.

Picpoul: from base for vermouth to modern white wine

The Picpoul grape – also known as Piquepoul Blanc – has a rich history in the South of France. It was once often harvested late, sometimes so late that fermentation began on the vine. The name also comes from this: it ‘pricks’ (Pic) in the ‘mouth’ (Poul). At that time, the grape was primarily used for making vermouth. Nowadays, it is picked early to preserve freshness. The wine is vinified dry, which beautifully brings out the bright expression of this grape.

Wine region, production and bottle shape

The vineyards of Domaine de Castelnau They are located near the village of Pinet, in the heart of the Languedoc. The soil consists mainly of limestone and sand, ideal for the grapes. Moreover, the constant sea breeze provides cooling. The grapes are carefully hand-picked to maintain optimal quality. This is followed by temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the fresh aroma. The wine ages in stainless steel to emphasize its pure character.

The bottle: a nod to the sea

A striking detail is the bottle in which this wine is bottled. The so-called “bouteille Neptune” has an elegant, light amphora shape and is decorated at the top with a wavy motif – a subtle reference to the nearby sea. Fun fact: Picpoul is also permitted in blends for Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is known in the Cognac region as Folle Blanche.