Terre a Verre " Les Roches " Picpoul de Pinet

 My white grape of choice is always Chardonnay, preferably big and buttery and from Burgundy, this works well when out with Ruthie or Dad but with any of the girls it's anything but. I never have been the biggest advocate of Sauvignon Blanc however after a pretty gorgeous summer which was stuffed full of weddings, bbqs and hens I feel myself and this grape need some time apart.  It goes without saying that I love red wine but when it comes to one glass of vino after work or socially, white is generally my preference and sometimes big and buttery is just too much -  translating into a very unshareable wine!
Terre A Verre might have a little too much shareability and as I have got used to having a full bottle to myself when out with the girls this might take some getting used to!
In the glass it is straw colour with hints of green not unlike a sauvignon blanc in appearance. The nose is subtly floral with aromas of fresh pear. In the mouth it is dry yet surprisingly full-bodied and obvious that the wine spent time on it's lees but still has a gorgeous minerality to it with a good balance of fruit present.
 Picpoul de Pinet is the biggest white growing region in Languedoc with Picpoul itself being one of the oldest french varieties.  It is a fragile grape that was nearly completely destroyed by phylloxera but is becoming quite popular again. It is one of the varieties permitted in chateauneuf and is often used as a blending wine in the Rhone in both it's red and white forms(Picpoul Noir & Picpoul Blanc) but on it's own it makes for a perfect seafood accompaniment and with it's minerality possibly a good Loire substitute and at €12.99 definitely one we can work with.

Till Next Time
Clare