All You Need to Know About Picpoul: A Quick Guide

Picpoul, also known as Picquepol Blanc, is a thin-skinned white wine varietal found mainly in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France, where it’s name is used in the name of the region Picpoul de Pinet! Translated from “stings the lip,” Picpoul is prized for its crisp acidity and citrus aromas.

Picpoul was an underrated varietal until recently. In our hunt for more obscure grapes, it has become sought after for its food-friendliness and vibrant acidity. It makes a fantastic swap for refreshing whites like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc when you’re craving something a bit more unique but with similar qualities.

A few more notes on Picpoul:

In addition to Picquepol Blanc, there is also Picquepol Gris (very rare) and Picquepol Noir, a black-skinned mutation with only a few plantings found in the Languedoc and Rhône regions. Picquepol Noir is typically used as a blending grape for Languedoc rosé and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Traditionally aged in steel, some winemakers are beginning to explore aging on the lees (in contact with yeast) to give the wine a more toasted, bready aroma. This makes sense given Picpoul’s biting acidity, which should theoretically take well to aging.

The following guide will illustrate what Picpoul often tastes like (aroma, flavor, and structure). It will also tell you where it’s from, provide you with common food recommendations, similar varieties, and let you know why you should be drinking more of it!

How would I describe Picpoul?

Bright

Bone dry on the palate with a light body, sharp acidity, and subtle minerality. The word “refreshing” doesn’t quite do justice. It’s a perfect wine for pairing with delicate seafood dishes or simply sipping poolside!

Clean

When we say “clean,” what we mean is that the true expression of the grape is what stands out. Picpoul is rarely oaked, so what you taste is a pure, unadulterated flavor of the wine. Its aromas and flavors are simple, honest, and untouched by outside factors like oak, additives, or other grapes.

Tart

With (literal) lip-stinging acidity, this wine is highly desirable for pairing with acidic and or fatty dishes. If you’ve ever needed a wine to pair with fresh oysters and fried chicken, she’s your gal!

What does Picpoul taste like?

The flavor of Picpul can be considered consistent since it’s primarily grown in Southern France. When I sip on a glass of Picpoul, the first flavors and aromas that come to mind are lemon, green apple, white blossoms, a touch of saline, and occasionally grapefruit or lime as well as bread or toast if lees are used in winemaking.

Keep in mind the flavor of wine will depend greatly on your palate, and not all wines may exhibit these aromas and flavors!

What about structure?

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to structure for every grape, however, there IS a general range when it comes to body, acid, alcohol, and tannin for each. Below are general guidelines for classic representations. Growing conditions and winemaking techniques can impact each of the following.

Light Body

Think of “body” in terms of liquid. Lighter-bodied wines sit on your palate like water, while full-bodied wines sit like whole milk. Picpoul is quite light in body and delicate on the palate.

High Acid

A good rule of thumb for measuring acidity is to judge the amount of saliva that builds up after swallowing. Picpoul is quite high on the acid scale. .

Light to Medium Alcohol

You can guess the alcohol content by how much it ‘burns’ after you sip. Picpoul is generally not very high in alcohol, around 11-13.5%.

Where is Picpoul from?

France

Primarily in Southern France, specifically the Languedoc-Roussillon region

Picpoul originated in and is still widely grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. In fact, it is the only white grape in the region to be given its own Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which means the grapes are certified to heightened standards and quality. Its success is largely due to the region’s balance of hot summers, cool nights, and consistent ocean breeze from the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to Languedoc, Picpoul is also found in smaller numbers in the Rhône Valley, where it’s one of the only six white grapes permitted to be used in the infamous Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends.

You can also find wonderful examples of Picpoul in Catalonia, Spain, California, Washington State, and Australia.

What food should I pair with Picpoul?

Seafood

Why?

Vibrant acidity, delicate body, and subtle mineral notes make Picpoul the perfect wine for pairing with seafood. From salmon to oysters, shrimp, and tender white fish, it’ll complement each dish without overpowering or tasting dull in comparison.

Fried Food

Why?

This is an example of using “opposites attract” to create a contrasting pairing. We’re battling the wine’s acidity and razor-sharp finish with oily, hearty, and salty flavors. The result is a wine that tastes sweeter and fruitier, and the food tastes more savory.

Goat Cheese

Why?

Similar to Sauvignon Blanc, Picpoul has sharp acidity and subtle green undertones, making it ideal for elevating and enriching the flavors of tangy cheeses—in this case, chèvre!

Other pairings: Feta cheese, Iberco, smoked oysters, anchovies, tapenade, sushi, ceviche, salad, and garlic chicken.

What other similar varieties would I enjoy?

(common confusions)

Pinot Gris has:

More stone fruit and honey
Slightly less acid
Less vivacious overall flavor

Grüner Veltliner has:

More floral and spice aromas
Generally less acidity
Often higher alcohol and slightly fuller body

Chenin Blanc has:

More bruised orchard fruit
Generally fuller body
More diversity, often being made dry, sweet, or sparkling

Olivia is a Washington-based freelance writer with a Level 2 Award in wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She has a passion for all things food, wine, and travel, though her heart belongs to the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not sipping on a glass of Washington Cab., she’s usually bikepacking, crocheting, or chillin’ in the sun with her dog Tater.

IG: @liv_eatslocal
Website: liveatslocal.com

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