Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet
Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet is a vibrant, high-acid white wine defined by its intense citrus zest and a signature salty, mineral finish that mimics the Mediterranean sea breeze.
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£7.50
Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet
Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet is often described as the “cool breeze” of the Languedoc—a vibrant, coastal white that manages to capture the energy of the Mediterranean in a glass.
Here is a breakdown of its sensory profile:
The First Impression
On the pour, the wine shows a pale lemon-yellow hue with subtle, youthful glints of green. The nose is immediate and lively, offering a classic bouquet of crushed citrus—think lemon zest and pink grapefruit—layered over delicate floral notes of white blossom and a distinctive, flinty minerality that hints at its seaside origins.
The Palate and Texture
Upon the first sip, the wine’s name (which translates to “lip-stinger”) becomes clear through a racy, vibrant acidity that cuts straight through the palate. However, Foncastel is known for a slightly more rounded profile than some of its leaner peers. You’ll find a juicy core of green apple and pear, accompanied by a subtle “saline” or salty finish that makes it incredibly refreshing. It is light-to-medium-bodied, finishing clean and bone-dry with a lingering touch of citrus pith.
The production of Domaine Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet is a masterclass in “protective winemaking.” Because the Piquepoul grape is so prized for its delicate aromatics and high acidity, the process is designed to keep the wine as fresh and “untouched” as possible.
Vinification: Preserving the “Sting”
Temperature Control: To prevent the loss of those volatile citrus and floral aromas, the grapes are typically harvested at night or in the very early morning when temperatures are lowest.
Stainless Steel Fermentation: Foncastel is fermented entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Unlike Chardonnay, which might see oak barrels, Picpoul is kept away from wood to ensure the “steely” and mineral character isn’t masked by vanilla or spice flavors.
No Malolactic Fermentation: This is a key technical choice. By blocking malolactic fermentation (the process that turns sharp malic acid into creamy lactic acid), the winemakers preserve that signature “lip-stinging” acidity that defines the appellation.
Aging: Freshness Over Time
Short Aging Cycle: This is not a wine meant for the cellar. It is typically aged for only 3 to 6 months in steel tanks before being bottled in the spring following the harvest.
Lees Contact: While Foncastel focuses on a crisp style, the wine sits on its fine lees (spent yeast cells) for a short period before bottling. This adds a subtle “weight” or roundness to the mid-palate, preventing the high acidity from feeling too thin or sharp.
The “Neptune” Bottle: You’ll notice it comes in the tall, slender green bottle known as the Beauvignac or Neptune bottle, embossed with the Languedoc Cross—a mark of its protected status (AOP).
Domaine de Savagny has 45-hectare area of vines located within the Côtes du Jura and Chateau Chalon appellation. These vineyards are nestled between Château-Chalon, the historical heart of the Jura wine region, and Baume les Messieurs, one of the region’s most prized cultural sites. The parcels of vines, planted with Jura’s five grape varieties, namely Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir, grow in the Lavigny commune from a clay and limestone-rich soil of a marly composition on low-lying slopes.
The wines and crémants produced by the Savagny domain are frequently awarded medals in the most prestigious of wine competitions.
Picpoul
Picpoul (also known as Piquepoul) is an ancient white-wine grape variety of the traditional and prolific Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France. The name Pique-poul translates literally as “stings the lip”, and is a reference to the grape’s mouthwateringly high acidity.
Picpoul’s most famous incarnation is in the white wines of the Picpoul de Pinet AOC that bears its name. The variety’s ability to keep its acidity even in a hot, Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect choice for the region, making taut, full-bodied white wines with herbal and citrus aromas.
Picpoul was traditionally blended with another obscure Languedoc variety, Clairette. Together, these two tangy grapes formed the basis of white Picardin, millions of liters of which were once shipped northwards to Paris each year along France’s impressive network of canals.
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The Country
French wine, steeped in history and tradition, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Bordeaux’s iconic red blends—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—create wines with structured tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar. Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield velvety reds and crisp whites. Champagne sparkles with toasty brioche and citrus. The Rhône Valley boasts bold Syrah, while Alsace’s Riesling and Gewürztraminer express floral aromas. From Provence’s pale rosés to Corsica’s sun-kissed Vermentino, each bottle tells a story. Santé!
France Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
The Languedoc region, also known as Languedoc-Roussillon, is a vast and diverse wine-producing area in southern France
Languedoc is renowned for its ripe and intense red wines. Notable appellations include Saint-Chinian, Corbières, and Faugères. These reds often feature grape varieties like Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre.
Crisp Whites: Don’t miss the crisp white wines made from Picpoul (such as Picpoul de Pinet). They offer refreshing flavors and pair well with seafood.
Languedoc Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Producer
Domaine de Savagny has 45-hectare area of vines located within the Côtes du Jura and Chateau Chalon appellation. These vineyards are nestled between Château-Chalon, the historical heart of the Jura wine region, and Baume les Messieurs, one of the region’s most prized cultural sites. The parcels of vines, planted with Jura’s five grape varieties, namely Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir, grow in the Lavigny commune from a clay and limestone-rich soil of a marly composition on low-lying slopes.
The wines and crémants produced by the Savagny domain are frequently awarded medals in the most prestigious of wine competitions.
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