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Stretching along the Thau lagoon on the Mediterranean Sea, the Picpoul de Pinet AOC consists of a triangle bounded by Agde, P?zenas and S?te: a limestone plateau basking in the rising sun covered in rows of vines and scattered pine groves. The weather pattern is typically Mediterranean with low rainfall (600mm or 24 ins) and moderate winters, with very dry summers. The maritime influence limits the strong temperature variations and the sea breezes limit high daytime temperatures. It also protects the land from steep night-time temperature falls.The vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet are amongst the oldest on the Mediterranean. In 1983, the Jourdan family decided to leave the local Cooperative and bought the oldFelines estate in Meze. The key to the quality of the wines from Felines Jourdan is the site along the Thau lagoon on the Mediterranean coast of the Languedoc. It lies south of the famous small port of Sete, near Montpellier, and the famous oyster producing village of Bouzigues. The vineyards, aged 5 to 25 years, are located on three different types of soil. Each one gives its unique character. Picpoul de Pinet is known as the Muscadet of the South of France. Picpoul means "lip stinger", which refers to the high acidity of fermenting juice. The grape is also known as Folle Blanche or Gros Plant. Picpoul has a long history in the Languedoc region. Back in the 14th century, this grape was already documented in Latin under the name Picapoll. It tends to ripen late, so the warm, humid sea breezes help it mature in good conditions. We have thoroughly enjoyed these wines for over 20 years. They represent some of the best values in white wines in the world and literally go with anything from light appetizers and grazing platters to shellfish, chicken, veal and even game. Paring with pan seared halibut sporting a light crust and sprinkled with a mango salsa would be divine. January Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf)
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