Picpoul

Picpoul can trace its history back to the 17th century when, along with Clairette, it was the basis of the then hugely popular Picardan that was exported from the Languedoc to Northern Europe. Its plantings dwindled after the onslaught of phylloxera at the end of the 19th century as growers resorted to hardier and more disease resistant grapes. Picpoul Noir is one of the 13 permitted grape varieties for Châteauneuf-du-Pape but in practise is rarely used - by 1990 there were a mere 200 hectares of Picpoul Noir vines left in France.

Picpoul Blanc has fared better, being the grape behind Picpoul de Pinet, one of the named Crus of Coteaux du Languedoc. It produces crisp, citrussy wines with subtle mineral and nutty overtones. Domaine Felines Jourdan is the best producer in Pinet.