Piquepoul

Piquepoul

Piquepoul grapes on the vine

Piquepoul is a group of grape varieties of the species Vitis vinifera that are primarily grown in the Languedoc region of France. Known for their high acidity, these grapes are used to produce both red and white wines, with the white variety being the most famous.

Varieties

Piquepoul is traditionally divided into three main color varieties:

• Piquepoul Blanc: The most widely planted and well-known variety, Piquepoul Blanc is used to produce the crisp, aromatic white wines of the Picpoul de Pinet AOC.
• Piquepoul Noir: A less common variety, Piquepoul Noir is used to produce red wines, often blended with other regional varieties.
• Piquepoul Gris: This variety is rare and used to produce rosé wines.

Characteristics

Piquepoul Noir grapes

Piquepoul grapes are known for their high acidity, which is reflected in the name "Piquepoul," meaning "lip-stinger" in the local dialect. This characteristic makes the wines particularly refreshing and suitable for pairing with seafood.

The wines produced from Piquepoul Blanc are typically pale in color with floral and citrus aromas. They are often described as having flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple, with a mineral finish.

Viticulture

Piquepoul vines are well-suited to the warm, sunny climate of the Languedoc region. They thrive in sandy, well-drained soils and are resistant to drought. The vines are typically trained in the traditional gobelet style, which allows for good air circulation and sun exposure.

Wine Production

The most famous wine made from Piquepoul is the Picpoul de Pinet, a white wine that is part of the Languedoc AOC. This wine is often enjoyed young and is a popular choice for pairing with oysters and other shellfish.

Related Pages

• Languedoc wine
• French wine
• Vitis vinifera

Piquepoul leaves

See Also

• List of grape varieties
• Wine regions of France