I went to my closest local wine store. The owner there is wonderful and will search out any wines that I need for these groups to which I belong. I told him I needed Picpoul. He was not familiar with this wine but looked it up and told me he would work on getting me some along with the other wines that were on my list.
About a week later, he contacted me and said that my wines were in however his distributor had no more Picpoul and did not know when he would get more as Picpoul has a very limited bottling. His distributor had told him that only 900 cases of Picpoul are bottled each year.
I thought I was going to have to take a trip down to the City and try my luck there but then I got the great news that we were all being sent samples of this wine. I received two bottles of Picpoul de Pinet.
Today, I am showcasing the 2016 bottling from Cave de Pomerols. It sells on Wine.com for $11.99 per bottle. I received no monetary compensation for this post and all opinions expressed are completely my own.
I have yet to open the bottle from Gerard Bertrand. I am hoping to invite our friend, Gassan, who owns the local wine store, over to taste this wine with us just as soon as our remodel is completed.
I did share the bottle of Cave de Pomerols with our friends, the Bendas. I served it with a Rustic Shrimp Cocktail and it paired perfectly however I think this wine is wonderful all by itself.
It pours a beautiful golden yellow. It is crisp and dry but very smooth with no acidic bite. It smells like a garden to me. The first sip was very surprising as I am not use to such distinct floral undertones. I LOVED it. Which really kind of surprised me because I have always preferred "oaky" whites.
The first thing I thought, upon tasting this wine, was how wonderful it was going to be relaxing by the pool with a glass. It is like sipping Summertime.
Picpouls are known for their perfect pairings with seafood of all sorts. The smooth floralness (is that a word? It is now) neutralizes the salt and iodine found in shellfish. I think it would be amazing with raw oysters. I was hoping to do so when I open the next bottle but the "r" months are nearly over so I will wait until the fall and order up a few more bottles.
I'm very anxious to see what the others thought. I am including links to all of their articles so you can check them out. You are also invited to join us as we discuss our pairings today at 11 AM ET on twitter using #Winophiles and #Languedocwines.
More posts on Picpoul de Pinet
- Michelle of Rockin Red Blog says, "Picpoul...Take Me Away."
- Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm encourages us to Pick a Picpoul to Enjoy al Fresco This Summer.
- Susannah of Avvinare features Picpoul de Pinet - A Refreshing White from the Languedoc.
- Jill of L'Occasion shares Mediterranean Bliss: Picpoul de Pinet.
- Jeff of FoodWineClick! pairs Picpoul de Pinet and Steak Tartare Redemption.
- Nicole of Somm's Table writes Cooking to the Wines: Font-Mars Picpoul de Pinet with Crab Cakes and Fennel-Apple Salad.
- Payal of Keep the Peas posts A Lip-Smacking Lip-Stinger: Picpoul de Pinet.
- David of Cooking Chat makes a case for Picpoul Wine with Pesto and Other Pairings.
- Lauren of The Swirling Dervish says Picpoul de Pinet: Your Go-To Wine for Spring.
- Lynn of Savor the Harvest asserts The Single Variety Wine For Summer- Picpoul de Pinet.
- Gwendolyn of Wine Predator has Picpoul Goes Southern Style with Shrimp and Grits.
- Jane of Always Ravenous pairs Halibut with Spring Vegetables and Picpoul Wine.
- Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles shares Picpouls from Pinet and California and a Seaside Pairing.
- At Culinary Adventures with Camilla, she's Pairing Bourride à la Sétoise with Picpouls From France to California's Central Coast.
- Rupal of Syrah Queen will be posting The Rise of Picpoul de Pinet soon.
You're right Wendy, oysters would be great with Picpoul. And your shrimp cocktail sounds like it was delicious too! Hope you like the other bottle as much as you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteMe too Lauren.
DeleteSounds like the Cave de Pomerols Picpoul was lovely Wendy. I'm curious about it not having an acidic bite. Perhaps the grapes were more ripe, the growing year, who knows. Bottom line it worked!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly did Lynn.
DeleteEasy shrimp cocktail with Picpoul sounds great. It just strikes me as a casual wine to be enjoyed anytime, especially in the middle of a remodel!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff.....I need wine during a remodel LOL
DeleteWhat a cool story about your wine shop. I’m certain the proprietor will appreciate the invitation. Wine shops are such gems - a great partner in learning, tasting , exploring!
ReplyDeleteYes and a rare gem in my neck of the woods so I was very pleased to locate him.
DeleteI can see Picpoul would be very good with shrimp cocktail!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was David.
DeleteI would also happily sup this w some oysters! It looks delightful with the shrimp as well.
ReplyDeleteor *sip*
DeleteHey 'sup. LOL. It was great with the shrimp. I have gotten tons of pairing ideas this month.
DeletePicpoul and seafood are a winning combination! Oysters and Picpoul are my next pairing. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds Jane.
DeleteGreat pairing Wendy. Simple, elegant, easy, delicious. Well done as usual!
ReplyDelete