Picpoul de Pinet

The ancient Roman road "Domitienne" divides the Picpoul de Pinet wine area into two main terroirs. To the north, a zone of alternating garrigues and pine forests, where vineyards rest on soils of Cretaceous or Miocene origin. With little maritime influence, this is a region of contrasts, with abundant vegetation specific to the Mediterranean climate. To the south, we find a homogeneous area opening out to the sea. Covered exclusively by Picpoul de Pinet vines, its climate is tempered by sea breezes and fogs. The soil was formed in the Pliocene by continental fluvial deposits. The climate of the Picpoul de Pinet area is Mediterranean, with low rainfall and mild winters. The summer season is dry. 

Visit Picpoul de Pinet wines are exclusively white wines made from short-pruned Piquepoul Blanc grapes. Cave de L'Ormarine offers some pleasant examples.

Picpoul de Pinet white wine, in the heart of Languedoc

On the shores of the Etang de Thau, on the Mediterranean coast, the prestigious AOC Picpoul de Pinet vineyards cover more than 1,300 ha. Located in the heart of the SÈTE - PÉZENAS - AGDE triangle, it is the largest Picpoul white wine region in the Languedoc. Thanks to white winemaking, winegrowers have been able to make the most of this extraordinary territory. Each year, this AOC produces 70,000 hl of picpoul de pinet white wine, with a yield of 60 hl per ha.

AOC Picpoul de Pinet and its two great terroirs

The ancient "Domitian" Roman road divides the area into two main terroirs. To the north is a large area of alternating pine forests and garrigues, where vineyards rest on soils of Miocene or Cretaceous origin. With less maritime influence, this region of contrasts boasts lush vegetation typical of the Mediterranean climate. To the south, a homogeneous zone opens out onto the sea. Covered by the Picpoul de Pinet vineyards, sea fogs and breezes temper its mild climate. As for the soil, it was formed in the Pliocene by continental fluvial deposits.

The region's climate

The region's Mediterranean climate is characterized by low rainfall (600 mm on average) and mild winters. Summers tend to be dry. The influence of the sea is crucial, as it reduces daily temperature variations: 

- The pond's water mass acts as a thermal flywheel, slowing down the water flow. 

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

- Falling temperatures at night Between June and September, the humid sea air favors the ripening of the late-ripening white grape variety, piquepoul.

An exquisite Pinet wine with a unique grape variety

Visit Picpoul de Pinet is an aromatic, dry, acid-free wine. It is made exclusively from the Picpoul grape variety, which is cultivated using the short pruning method, of which the Cave de l'Ormarine is a fine example. The wine has always been a benchmark among shellfish enthusiasts, who don't hesitate to enjoy it with local oysters from the Etang de Thau. Its splendid floral and citrus aromas blend perfectly with its lively mouthfeel and the pronounced iodized taste of seafood.