For Fans of Zing - Meet Picpoul de Pinet

Domaine de Castelnau Garenne Picpoul de Pinet 2024

If you love Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, let me introduce you to a lesser known white that’s about to earn a place in your fridge: Picpoul de Pinet. Fresh, citrusy and mouthwatering, this wine hits all the right notes for warm weather sipping. I was thrilled to find such a great example in the 2024 Domaine de Castelnau “Garenne” Picpoul de Pinet.

Picpoul (pronounced peek-POOL) is a southern French white grape with a name that loosely translates to “lip-stinger” - a nod to its naturally high acidity. Native to the Languedoc region, it thrives along the Mediterranean coast near the village of Pinet, just west of Montpellier. While the Languedoc is mostly red wine country, Picpoul de Pinet is a standout white appellation and the only one in the area focused on a single white grape variety.

The wine comes in a tall, fluted green bottle called a Neptune, embossed with waves, the Languedoc cross and the name Picpoul de Pinet. If you spot one in your local shop, now you’ll know what it is and trust me, it’s worth picking up.

The 2024 Domaine de Castelnau version is exactly what I want in a crisp white. In the glass, it’s pale lemon with a green glint. On the nose, it shows green apple, lime, honeysuckle and a little grapefruit zest. On the palate, it’s dry, light-bodied and zingy with flavours of lemon, lime and a hint of sea spray. There’s even a salty edge that makes it incredibly food-friendly.

Speaking of food. This wine shines with seafood. I tried it with fried calamari, green Italian olives and raw oysters. Every pairing worked but the oysters were magic. There’s a reason people say what grows together, goes together: the vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet hug the Étang de Thau, a salty lagoon that’s home to mussels, oysters and scallops. The wine and the shellfish share the same briny energy.

One tip: Picpoul is meant to be drunk young. This 2024 vintage is at its peak right now - fresh, vibrant and full of character. Don’t wait.

So next time you're looking for something bright, affordable, and a little off the beaten path, reach for Picpoul. Your oysters will thank you.

Curious to learn more?
You can catch my full segment on CBC Radio’s The Homestretch House Wine audio link. If you spot a bottle of Picpoul de Pinet, grab it while it’s fresh. It might just become your new go-to white. Happy sipping!