VintageTexas Cyclopedia of Wine: The Wine Grape Called Picpoul
Pronounced “peek-pool” (also spelled Piquepoul), this variety of white wine grape is cultivated in the Southern Rhone and Languedoc regions of France (http://www.terroir-france.com/wine/regions.htm). It is known for creating vinosity and freshness in the white wine blends of these regions. Picpoul is also used to make a light, dry Picpoul de Pinet in the area around Sète, France, along the Mediterranean Coast.
Picpoul is also the synonym name for Folle Blanche variety grown in the Armagnac region of France. In the Cotes de St-Mont zone adjoining the Madiran region of southwestern France, it is known as the Gros Meslier. In Spain, the variety has the name Picapoll and synonym names Avello and Picpoule Blanc.
Picpoul is starting to be grown in Texas as it appears to like warm winegrowing regions. The first medal for a Texas-grown Picpoul was given at the 2010 Lone Star International Wine Competition (https://vintagetexas.com/?p=1723). A Silver Medal was awarded to Bending Branch Estate Vineyard (http://www.bendingbranchwinery.com) located near Comfort, Texas, for their Picpoul Blanc.
For more information on the Picpoul grape, go to: http://www.tablascreek.com/picpoul.html
Congrats to Bending Branch for bringing picpoul to Texas. My favorite at Louis Martini was their fabulous Folle Blanche. Can’t wait to try the “local stuff”.
Has anyone out there had this wine? I have been trying to get my hands on this one.
Does anyone know if their tasting room is open now?
Would love to hear some tasting notes on this wine.
Bob, I just now saw your post about Picpoul. We just released this wine in October under our ultra premium 1840 label. It is available at our tasting room just outside Comfort, Texas, Fri-Sun. each week. We would love to have you visit us or you can order the Picpoul through our web site, http://www.bendingbranchestatewinery.com, for delivery in Texas.
In vino veritas,
Bob Young, Winemaker
Karen, I just now saw your post. We would love to have you visit us at our tasting room just outside of Comfort, Texas. As you know this is a great white varietal and it is perfect for the Texas climate. We are open Fri-Sun each week. We are very proud of our “lip stinger” wine and hope you will visit and taste it for youself.
In vino veritas,
Bob Young, Winemaker