Petit Roubie Picpoul de Pinet

A bright yet pale golden coloured Picpoul. So fresh and evocative of its maritime proximity. Wafts of sea-breeze mingle with delightful notes of citrus, appleskin and herbs. Hints of peach and exotic fruits make a fleeting appearance too. The palate is caressed at first by the gentle texture but is re-energised by the telling vibrant acidity on the finale. The excellent length of flavour is ample evidence of the Azan family attention to detail in the making of this wine. A white wine of genuine and authentic pedigree. Brilliant with seafood, especially shellfish.

• 92 Points, Natalie Earl for Decanter, Aug 2023: “Creamy lemony aromas meld seamlessly into pure citrus flavours, where lip-smacking, mouth-puckering acidity is balanced by ripe fruit, citrus peel and tinned pineapple.” (2022 vintage)
• Gold Medal – Millesime Bio 2019 (2018 vintage)

Olivier and Floriane Azan, originally from a family of apple growers near Montpellier, made the move into growing vines back in 1981 with the purchase of the Château Petit Roubié estate, which then comprised just 15 hectares. Situated in the village of Pinet, overlooking the Etang de Thau, the domaine offers a range of organically produced wines but with focus on the distinctive and increasingly sought after Picpoul de Pinet (a southern French version of Muscadet - according to many commentators). Soils are mainly a classic clay/chalk mix. By 1995 Olivier had converted the entire estate production to organic viticulture and Petit Roubié was the first producer of organic Picpoul de Pinet. He now farms a total of 60 hectares of vines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tannat, Carignan and Sauvignon Blanc. It is the Picpoul, though, that dominates. The variety is ideally suited to the maritime terroir, reflecting its origins perfectly. Its style provides the ideal foil to the copious quantities of oysters and mussels that are farmed out of the Etang de Thau just a stone's throw away. The variety thrives here managing to retain its vibrant acidity even under torrid summer Mediterranean sunshine. Olivier's winemaking is meticulous but essentially uncomplicated, preferring not to resort to excessive oak influence. He aims to deliver authentic wines with honest, clean, pure flavours.