2023 Picpoul
2023 Picpoul
Picpoul, also known as Piquepoul is an ancient white wine grape variety of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France. Happily thriving in hot Mediterranean climates, it is no surprise that Picpoul grows well here in McLaren Vale. Translating to “lip stinger” for its ability to retain acid in hot growing conditions. If you’re fond of higher acid wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, it’s time to give this wine a moment in the spotlight.
TASTES LIKE: White flower blossoms, lemon zest and green apple crunch with a saline whisp of the maritime climate that is McLaren Vale.
DRINK WITH: While Picpoul is renowned as “the wine for oysters” we’ve also found it works remarkably well along side Salmon with capers and butter
2023 VINTAGE SUMMARY: This growing season was cool and wet and long. Vintage started 3 to 4 weeks later than “usual”. Our first parcel of fruit was the Bastardo coming in on February 21st and our last was Nero d’Avola on the 23rd April. As vines avoided the real heat of summer, we didn’t have one day above 40c the long slow ripening period gave perfect conditions for gradual flavour development and excellent, lovely natural acidity. 2023 Vintage ticked all the boxes.
WINEMAKING: Fruit was hand harvested, destemmed and left on skins for 5 days. Hand plunged twice daily. Wild fermented in neutral French oak hogsheads. 4 months maturation in oak. Lees stirred once a week. Full MLF. Bottled July 2023, unfined, unfiltered and preservative free. 60 cases made
VITICULTURALIST: Matt Hatwell