A flinty alternative to Muscadet, Gruner-Veltliner or Pouilly Fume, Picpoul used to be cheap, and unusual to find outside France until a few years ago when it cropped up more frequently, particularly on gastro-pub wine lists. Prices rose as it became more popular. My most read article, with hundreds of views, is Sainsbury’s Baron de Guers Picpoul de Pinet – this is better – and was awarded a Gold medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France a Macon, 2017.

Tasting notes: This is the sixth Picpoul de Pinet I’ve reviewed in the last twelve months. Unlike the others it’s not from the behemoth Les Costieres de Pomerols co-operative! Ormarine produce 8 different Picpoul wines including the best Picpoul I’ve tasted. 

Wine Colour – White
Price – £8
Where do I get it from? – Majestic
Current Vintage – 2016
Type of Closure – Natural cork
Bottle size – 750ml
Grape – 100% Picpoul
Country – France
Points – 91
Food Pairings: Went very well with seafood & salad. Good with roast chicken. A good summer aperitif.