Racine - Picpoul de Pinet

Classification : AOP

Year: 2018

Alcohol: 13%

Grapes: Picpoul Blanc

This style of wine, Picpoul de Pinet, has a bit of a soft spot in me as it was the very first wine I tried during one of my many wine tours in Languedoc. It feels appropriate to kick these reviews off with the very first wine that lead me towards my stronger appreciation for wines.

This wine has a pleasant citrusy aroma to it. Scents of acidic fruits such as grapefruit and lemon will tickle your senses and nose hairs quite nicely, but they won’t completely overpower them. Like most white wines, this one has a fairly light body and does not feel heavy on the taste buds initially. However, you will definitely feel those citrusy flavours smelt earlier blend quite nicely in your mouth. You don’t have to hate citric fruits to really enjoy and appreciate these blends of flavours. They do not overwhelm your taste buds or sting your tongue like chugging straight lemon juice would do (don’t recommend BTW). It has a somewhat dry finish, but those citrusy flavours will be tingling on your tongue and you'll be itching for more.

This blend of citrusy flavours is what I personally really enjoy about the Picpoul de Pinet and is what makes it currently my favorite type of white wine. If you really enjoy white wines, I would highly recommend this one; especially if you’re looking for one that has a really nice aftertaste to it.

Pairings: This is one I really enjoy with seafood; specifically Salmon. It also goes great with seasoned chicken, vegetables, and jalapeno mozza sticks believe it or not. It also goes great on its own during a hot summer day, or a typical sunny day in the Languedoc county.

BBQ salmon, steak fries, and grilled vegetables

The spice of Jalapeno and the citrusy flavours of this wine compliment eachother quite nicely. A pic of Carcassonne in the background adds the perfect touch.

Overall Rating: 4.5 Languedoc Crosses out of 5

Where To Get (as of March 28, 2020): https://www.liquorconnect.com/Products/Item/770691

· J. Webb Wine Merchant LTD. (Calgary)

· Highlander Liquor Store (Calgary)

· Lacombe Park Spirits (St. Albert)

· Canmore Wine Merchants (Canmore)

· Vinestone Wine Co. (Cochrane)

· Cellar Door (Canmore)

· Highlander Wine & Spirits Marda Loop (Calgary)

· 5 Vines Wine Craft Beer & Spirits (Calgary)

· CO-OP Wine Spirits Beer – Kensington (Calgary... again...)

· Highlander Wine and Spirits (Calgary)

· Vine Styles (Calgary)

· Color de Vino (Edmonton... finally!)

· Vine Arts Wine and Spirits (Calgary)

· Highlander Wine & Spirits (Calgary)

· Highlander Wine & Spirits (Edmonton)

· Highlands Liquor (Edmonton)

This specific bottle is quite readily available, but there are other wineries such as Gerard Bertrand, La Croix Gratoit and Domaine de Bellemare that make this wine too. Domaine de Bellemare is where I in fact first tried this wine and currently own a bottle of it (saving it as it’s no longer available to order).