Domaine La Croix Gratiot, Picpoul de Pinet
Vintage: 2023
Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | CG201B23 | 6 x 75 | Screwcap | Contact Us |
Producer
For over 30 years Domaine La Croix Gratiot, which comprises 35 hectares in Montagnac, has been owned by brothers Yves and Hugues Ricome. After years of selling to their local co-operative, Yves started bottling his own wine in 2005 and bought his brother’s share of the domaine in 2009. His daughter Anaïs, who worked in New Zealand with Matt Thomson (co-owner of Blank Canvas), has since taken over managing the estate. Anaïs has driven a transition to biodynamic farming and gained organic certification from the 2021 vintage. She makes wonderfully pure, unoaked wines reflecting the potential of the local varieties. Her work and vision have resulted in the recognition of La Croix Gratiot as ‘the pinnacle of Picpoul de Pinet’ by French publication la Revue du vin de France.
Since 1996, the vineyards have been restructured and planted to varieties best suited to the soil and microclimate. Picpoul is grown on a chalky plateau, where maritime breezes help to cool the climate and provide ideal conditions for developing the variety’s aromatic compounds and lively acidity. The Picpoul de Pinet is expressive, with notes of pure stone fruit on the palate. Anaïs also makes a premium Picpoul de Pinet, ‘Bréchallune’, from selected parcels fermented in ceramic amphorae and aged on its lees post-fermentation to add texture and complexity. The ‘Désir Blanc’ is a harmonious blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne and Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. It has perfumed aromatics of bright stone fruit, a refreshing acidity and a long finish.
Inspired by her time in New Zealand, Anaïs has planted Pinot Noir, a rarity in this part of Southern France, which produces the estate's excellent Pinot Noir, ‘Les Zazous’. It is aromatic and elegant with notes of rose and violet, red cherries and a hint of spice. Made from 100% Syrah, the ‘Rouge Cerise’ undergoes a short maceration to produce a fresh wine with fragrant, pure red fruit.
Vineyards
The Picpoul grapes grow close to the commune of Mèze on a chalky limestone plateau. The proximity of the zone to the Mediterranean sea means maritime breezes help to cool the climate and provide ideal conditions for developing the variety’s aromatic compounds and lively acidity. Sustainability is at the core of what Domaine La Croix Gratiot do and since taking to the helm Anaïs has driven a transition to biodynamic farming and gained organic certification from the 2021 vintage.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage in the Languedoc began with a drier than usual winter. This resulted in a slow start to the growing season. Temperatures remained relatively mild until mid-August, when there was a heatwave. This accelerated ripening and, coupled with the lack of water reserves, resulted in lower yields. The harvest began earlier than usual and the Picpoul grapes harvested were of excellent quality with well-defined aromatics and a balancing acidity.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested at night to preserve maximum freshness. Upon arrival at the winery, they were gently pressed and the must was settled and racked off its gross lees before being transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks for fermentation at cool temperatures (around 15°C) to preserve the vibrant aromatics of the Picpoul. Unoaked, the wine was aged in stainless steel on its fine lees for a brief period to add texture to the palate.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This Picpoul is a vibrant yellow in colour with youthful hues. On the nose are fresh aromas of citrus fruit such as lime and grapefruit. The palate is full but extremely well balanced, with fresh acidity and a mouthwatering, persistent finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
12.5%
Acidity
6.2 g/l
Residual Sugar
1 g/l
pH
3.2
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Domaine La Croix Gratiot | `Les Zazous` Pinot Noir IGP Pays d'Hérault | CG206 | R | ||
`Bréchallune` Picpoul de Pinet | CG207 | W | |||
`Désir Blanc` IGP Pays d'Hérault | CG208 | W | |||
`Rouge Cerise` IGP Pays d'Hérault | CG209 | R |