It may be silly to even write about this wine. But, I will anyway. Most savvy wine folk have known for years that this bottle from the south of France is one of the greatest values in the market today. In fact, I get tired of recommending it to customers. What can beat it for value in the category of “I want a dry white.” Not much. Year after year, the stuff rocks. Consistency at Cave De Pomerols (the cooperative producer of this gem) is a given. This is the Languedoc. You might be thinking Knights Templar. I am as well. But, often I’m thinking about the varietal Picpoul. The literal translation of the word is “Lip Stinger.” And sting the lip it does. This offering pours a very, very shimmering ultra pale gold. Aromatics are that of just cut citrus. Grapefruit, lemon and tangy mandarin orange come to mind. There is also a very faint hint of honeydew melon on the nose which adds a welcome roundness. On the palate the wine most certainly is a “lip stinger.” And, in a good and satiating way. More fresh cut blasts of citrus dominate and a slightly pithy bitterness keeps things interesting. There is, as on the nose just enough citrus/melon sweetness to give this wine a magical lift into the world of nicely done balance. The verve here, the liveliness, and the cheap and good harmony proffered simply beg the taster to raise the glass once again. I have served this wine at parties, where numerous higher end wines have held court, and at the end of the night many a guest has commented on this simple bottle. This is your dry white! I drink it with Lobster when up in Maine, sitting outside perched on one of those red picnic table benches-watching the lobster boats do their thing. I use it to steam mussels. Perfect with oysters. Try it with a Tarragon Chicken salad sandwich. Or just appreciate it as we all do in the wine business as a work horse white. Really don’t want to get too carried away about this one. Just tried it again tonight in its 2008 form, and…got carried away. Find this wine in your home town, or give a shout to the importer Kysela Pere & Fils and ask them “Where is my Picpoul.” You will make it your house white. Around Ten Bucks.
Try it to some Snare Stinging drum work via Buddy Rich, and Lester Young:
