Domaine Reine Juliette Picpoul de Pinet 2022

Siblings Guillaume and Marion Alliès are sixth generation winemakers, who took over their family domaine in 1985. They're leading the revival of Picpoul in the region, after the ancient grape fell out of favour in the 20th Century. It's now sparking interest because of its ability to grow in sandy coastal soils. Domaine Reine Juliette makes textural, fresh, estate-bottled Picpoul from low yields of quality fruit.

Domaine Reine Juliette sits on the south side of the A9, which runs the route of the Via Domitia, a Roman road that connected Italy to Spain. This trade route was important to the development of viticulture in the Languedoc. The estate faces south, with views of the Basin de Thau, a huge tidal lagoon filled with oysters that make the perfect pairing for Picpoul.

Picpoul is often compared to the Loire Valley's Melon; another oyster wine grown near water. This wine has all of Muscadet's raciness and minerality, with a touch more generosity around a firm backbone. Vibrant stone fruits and citrus to start, the wine finishes with a refreshing peach-pit bitterness.