Domaine La Croix Gratiot Bréchallune Picpoul de Pinet 2023

Domaine La Croix Gratiot Bréchallune Picpoul de Pinet 

Region: Languedoc, France

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Picpoul

ABV: 13%

Notes: Organic

The Bréchallune Picpoul boasts bright aromas of grapefruit, lemon and white flowers on the nose. The palate has an attractive, rich texture which is well-balanced with racy acidity. The citrus flavours are concentrated, layered and well-defined.

The Picpoul is planted on soils of loam and limestone, situated near the village of Montagnac a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. The proximity of the zone to the sea means cool maritime breezes moderate the climate, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain good levels of acidity, resulting in fresh and vibrant wines. The Bréchallune is made from a single-parcel selection, the grapes are harvested later to give more concentration and a fuller texture to the finished wine.

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.

https://croix-gratiot.com