Benjamin Darnault Picpoul de Pinet 2010
From one of the few French ACs that is varietally named. The Picpoul-de-Pinet appelation of the Couteaux de Languedoc in France's South-West has experienced a resurgence of late thanks to a new breed of producers and stunners like this.
Picpoul, or Piquepoul, means 'lip-stinger' on account of the acidity of its must. The variety is not - as yet - grown in Australia, the Granite Belt's Symphony Hill did have some planted but have grubbed it up - retaining the source material.
A delightful pale green-gold, on the nose there's hints of bruised apple, a touch of lemon - but it's not necessarily about the aroma. Taking the wine into the mouth, your mouth becomes alive - the tingle of acid immediately apparent; palate weight and texture add further interest. The zesty, fresh full on acid is simply brilliant.
Bone dry on the finish, it stays with you a long time - if you can refrain from taking another sip. It just keeps hauling you back in for more. Would pair excellently with Oysters and oily fish eg Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines. Brisbaneites can find this at Grand Central Cellars and at Spring Brisbane. 92 - Very Good
Source: Grand Central Cellars
Price: $23
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://benjamindarnault.com/
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Great note - also spotted this in Spiro's at Paddington at the weekend. Price tag on it too ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Keira - I'm really pleased to have seen this in Brisbane. I first tried it in the UK in 2011, in fact there's a small note on it here somewhere.
DeleteI've also subsequently seen it at Wine Experience in Rosalie, so it's certainly easily available if you shop well.
Will try to track this down. The AOP is next door to us. Great summer wines.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul, thanks for swinging by. Living 'next door' you shouldn't have any issues finding it. Naked Wines in the UK take a fair bit too. We don't see much PdP here at all, I'm glad the guys at Pure are bringing this in.
DeleteNailed it in this note Stu. Nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeremy, glad to hear how I saw the wine is a good representation. It's a cracking drop - shame I got onto it toward the tail of Summer...
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