2023 Moulin de Gassac Picpoul de Pinet

100% organic Piquepoul from a 12 acre vineyard very near the village of Pinet, just a stone’s throw from the sea. The soil is limestone and gravel, and the higher elevation and proximity to the cool sea breezes make for a wine with excellent freshness. Fermented with native yeasts and aged simply in stainless steel. 12% alcohol.  Only 1,000 cases made.

From vineyards very near the oyster beds on the Mediterranean sea, this wine is a classic example of why Picpoul is known as the “Southern Muscadet”. Intriguing, briny mineral notes in both the nose and mouth provide the perfect backdrop for fish and shellfish. Some melon and citrus flavors keep you coming back for more and the crisp acidity assures that your palate does not tire from this zesty wine. Low alcohol and fresh, but rounder than Sauvignon Blanc. 

Several years back, the folks at Mas de Daumas Gassac began working with a neighboring cooperative in Sête to produce fun, full flavored wines from the surrounding countryside and rocky hillsides. The goal is to produce wines grown under the strict vineyard & winemaking regimens employed at this unique domaine. Organic farming is de rigueur and the vinification is closely overseen by the Guibert family. The results are splendidly aromatic wines that bring out the terroir of the this Mediterranean region. The wines are named after St. Guihelm, the patron saint of the area where the village of St. Guihelm le Desert, one of the most stunningly beautiful villages in Europe, draws people from all over the world. Often referred to as the Grand Cru of the Midi (South of France), the Mas de Daumas Gassac top-tier wines have reached international cult status. Aimé Guibert,along with his wife Véronique, purchased the property in 1974, and began planting grapes. There are 40 different grape varieties planted on the property, from rare and uncloned vines from far flung places, including Israel, Portugal, Switzerland, Armenia, Madeira, etc. While many would see this as an extreme and crazy endeavor, this diversity led to unorthodox blends and truly singular wines.