Picpoul de Pinet

The ancient Roman road known as the Via Domitia divides the Picpoul de Pinet wine region into two main terroirs. To the north, an area of alternating scrubland and pine forests where the vineyards lie on soils of Cretaceous or Miocene origin. Little affected by the maritime influence, it is a region of contrasts with abundant vegetation specific to the Mediterranean climate. To the south, there is a homogeneous area opening fully onto the sea. Covered exclusively by Picpoul de Pinet vines, its climate is tempered by sea breezes and fog. The soil was formed in the Pliocene epoch by continental river deposits. The climate of the Picpoul de Pinet area is Mediterranean, with low rainfall and mild winters. The summer season is dry. 

The Picpoul de Pinet wines are exclusively white wines made from the Piquepoul blanc grape variety, grown using a short pruning technique, whose L'Ormarine Cellar provides some delightful examples.

Picpoul de Pinet white wine, in the heart of Languedoc

On the shores of the Thau lagoon, on the Mediterranean coast, the prestigious Picpoul de Pinet AOC vineyard covers more than 1,300 hectares. Located in the center of the SÈTE – PÉZENAS – AGDE triangle, it is the largest Picpoul white wine region in Languedoc. Thanks to white wine production methods, winegrowers have been able to get the most out of this extraordinary terroir. Each year, this AOC produces 70,000 hectoliters entirely devoted to Picpoul de Pinet white wine, with a yield of 60 hectoliters per hectare.

The Picpoul de Pinet AOC and its two great terroirs

The ancient Roman road known as the Via Domitia divides the area into two main terroirs. To the north lies a large area alternating between pine forests and scrubland, where the vineyards are planted on soil dating back to the Miocene or Cretaceous periods. With less maritime influence, this region of contrasts enjoys lush vegetation typical of the Mediterranean climate. To the south, a homogeneous area opens onto the sea. Covered by Picpoul de Pinet vines, sea fog and breezes temper its mild climate. As for the soil, it was formed during the Pliocene epoch, when continental river deposits were laid down.

The climate of the region

The region has a Mediterranean climate with low rainfall (averaging 600 mm) and mild winters. The summer months are fairly dry. The influence of the sea is significant, as it reduces the daily temperature variations: 

• The mass of water in the pond acts as a thermal buffer that slows down 

• The sea breeze reduces the temperature rise during the day. 

• The drop in temperature at night Between June and September, humid sea breezes greatly promote the ripening of the late-harvest white grape variety, Piquepoul.

An exquisite Pinet wine made from a single grape variety

The Picpoul de Pinet is an aromatic, dry wine with no acidity. It is made exclusively from the Picpoul grape variety, grown using the short pruning method, of which the Ormarine winery offers some fine examples. This wine has always been a favorite among shellfish lovers, who enjoy pairing it with local oysters from the Thau lagoon. Its splendid floral and citrus aromas blend perfectly with its lively palate and the pronounced iodine flavor of seafood.