W3 Wine School

Piquepoul (France)

Piquepoul (aka Picpoul) is an ancient grape from Languedoc-Roussillon.

Piquepoul Flavors

Lemon and Grapefruit flavors are typical for Picpoul, with hints Flowers and Minerals.

Lemon
Lemon
Grapefruit
Grapefruit
Flowers
Flowers
Mineral
Minerals

Piquepoul Profile

Picpoul ("Stings the Lip") is known for lemony wines with high acidity:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:High
ALCOHOL:11-12% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Piquepoul Food Pairing

Picpoul is splendid with Seafood, Shellfish and other Mediterranean dishes.

Oysters
Oysters
Shrimps
Shrimps
Fish
Fish
Crab
Seafood

Excellent pairings

Seafood. Oysters. Clams. Shrimps.
Swordfish. Salted Cod.
Rich Cream or Butter Sauces.
Mashed Potatoes. Capers.

French Spesialities

Fishcakes. Butter Salmon.
Fish or Ham Croquettes.

The Ideal Glass for Piquepoul

A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine.

The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings.

The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde.

Piquepoul Cheese Pairing

Piquepoul is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Go for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.

You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

The tanginess of a Goat Cheese (Feta, Chèvre) will complements the subtle fruit notes in Piquepoul.

The delicate flavor of a Mozzarella pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta is especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Soft Cheeses

The creamy texture and mild flavors of a Brie work beautifully with Piquepoul.

Camembert is similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

The nutty, buttery qualities of a Fontina can make a good match.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

A lightly aged Gouda can add a complementary tang to Piquepoul.

Serra Estrela is classic Spanish pairing. It has a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor.

Gruyère is mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

The mild creaminess of a Robiola or a Gorgonzola Dolce can contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Piquepoul

You Will Also Like:

Arinto (Portugal)
Bourgogne Blanc (France)
Burgundy White (France)
Chablis (France)
Chardonnay (Unoaked)
Muscadet (France)
Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Picapoll (Spain)
Piquepoul (France)
Txakoli (Spain)
Vinho Verde (Portugal)

About
Picpoul / Piquepoul / Folle Blanc

Picpoul is an ancient grape from the Languedoc Roussillon region of France.

The name means "Stings the Lip", and refers to the grape's very high acidity.

There are different versions of the grape:

Picpoul is also known by different names:

Picpoul de Pinet is an AOC for wines made exclusively from Picpoul Blanc in the communes of Pinet, Mèze, Florensac, Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac and Pomérols in Languedoc.

In South Rhone, Picpoul is used as a minor blending grape in white Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Languedoc Wines

France

Black Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Grenache
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Carignan
Cinsault

White Grapes

Sauvignon

Ugni Blanc
Vermentino
Piquepoul Blanc
Grenache Blanc
Marsanne
Roussane
Viognier

Red Wines

Red Wine

Coteaux du Languedoc AOC
Corbières AOC
Languedoc

White Wines

White Wine

Piquepoul Blanc
Rolle
Ugni Blanc

Sparkling Wines:

Crémant de Limoux

Soil

White Wine

Limestone
Schist
Gravel
Clay

Climate

Soil

Coastal plains
Rolling hills
Mountainous
Hot and Dry
Intense Summers


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