Tasting Notes: Lovely pale-yellow color, bright and clear. Discreet and elegant nose, predominated by tasty aromas of white fruit and a hint of fresh almond. The mouth is fresh and peppery, pleasant and tonic with a very nice length.

Winemaking: The south facing vineyards of Combe Rouge lie surrounded by garrigue and beautiful pine forests. The landscape of gentle valleys (combes) and red earth (rouge) has inspired the name of this cuvee.  Situated next to the Thau basin, between sea and earth, the terroir of the Picpoul de Pinet benefits of an exceptional sun exposure and a strong influence from the wind. Pneumatic pressing. Cold static clarification on the lees. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel, temperature -controlled vats.

Food Pairings: Drink chilled alongside grilled fish, oysters, Mediterranean dishes, tapas, or alone as an aperitif.

Decanter: “Les Vignobles Foncalieu is a cooperative of more than 600 growers from across the Languedoc – a result of many small village co-ops being joined together over the years – covering a considerable spread of the region’s appellations and IGPs. This bottling is from vineyard parcels on several types of terroirs, from clay-limestone soils close to the Etang de Thau lagoon to slightly more inland hillsides on sandy and gravelly soils. It’s fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve freshness. Natalie Earl: Bright and clear in the glass and in aromas, some green apple, herbs, iodine, sea spray, lemon rind. Huge acidity, lots of Picpoul character. Some weight, but it’s pristine in fruit and in its zesty intention to refresh. Heather Dougherty: Juicy lemon and lemon zest aromas, joined by scrub herbs and hay on the palate. Lingers on the finish with a hint of lime zest bitterness. Wieteke Teppema: Subtle nose of citrus, white flowers and green apple. Saline and oyster shell, with bay and thyme. Lovely, subtle mix, with some weight from lees ageing.”