Les Caves de Richemer, Piquepoul IGP

Les Caves de Richemer lies between the Mediterranean Sea and Étang de Thau lagoons on the coast of the Southern Languedoc. This cooperative winery oversees 1,000 hectares of vines in Hérault, all managed sustainably. The name Richemer stems from 19th-century tales of a modest winegrower, Henri Richet. Henri so quickly made his fortune in trading wines from the old port of Marseillan that people gave him the nickname ‘Henri de Richemer’. The seahorse on the label is the emblem of Caves de Richemer and is native to the lagoon.

The co-ops vineyards are located outside of the Picpoul de Pinet appellation, which is why the spelling of the ‘Picpoul’ grape on their labels is its alternative spelling ‘Piquepoul’. Their vineyards are planted on clay-limestone soil on the coast, alongside the Étang de Thau lagoons. This combination of limestone soils and sea breezes helps temper the warm summer temperatures, maintaining acidity and freshness in the grapes, which are carefully sorted and gently pressed before undergoing fermentation. Head winemaker Florian Masson uses temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to maintain maximum freshness and primary fruit flavours in the final wines. The Piquepoul displays a bright citrus fruit character with white floral notes and refreshing acidity.

The Terret Blanc, a crisp, fresh wine similar to Piquepoul, is brimming with a lively, citrus fruit character. Terret is native to the southern Languedoc and, along with Picpoul, forms the backbone of the Noilly Prat Vermouth blend made in nearby Marseillan. Though one of the region’s oldest varieties, Terret is a grape for the future and is currently undergoing a resurgence. Drought-resistant, thick-skinned, and late ripening, it copes well during the increasingly hot Languedoc summers. Being naturally low in alcohol and high in acidity, it also consistently produces mouth-wateringly refreshing wines.