Domaine La Croix Gratiot, `Désir Blanc` IGP Pays d'Hérault

Recognised as one of the top estates in Picpoul, Domaine La Croix Gratiot is managed by Anaïs Ricome with help from her father, Yves, who began bottling his own wine at La Croix Gratiot in 2005. Before taking over the family estate, Anais spent some time working in New Zealand with Matt Thomson (co-owner of Blank Canvas) which influenced her decision to make pure, site-specific wines that reflect the potential of Picpoul’s local varieties. In recent years, Anaïs has driven a transition to biodynamic farming across the 35-hectare estate and gained organic certification from the 2021 vintage. Her work and vision have resulted in the recognition of La Croix Gratiot as ‘the pinnacle of Picpoul de Pinet’ by the 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 Viognier, Roussanne and Sauvignon Blanc. 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.