Picpoul de Pinet 2 products.

Grown on clay-limestone soils beside the Bassin de Thau — the large coastal lagoon famous for its oyster and mussel beds — this appellation produces dry white wine from Piquepoul Blanc (Picpoul), a variety whose name literally means "lip-stinger" in Occitan, a direct reference to its naturally high acidity. The proximity to the lagoon imparts a saline, briny character to the wine that makes it one of the world's most logical pairings for shellfish.

The style is invariably light, pale and crisp — citrus, green apple, white blossom — with bracing acidity and moderate alcohol. Unambiguously designed for early drinking, a cold bottle alongside Thau oysters represents the appellation at its defining purpose and is one of the Languedoc's most satisfying food-and-wine moments.