Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE

PRESS PACK

Syndicat de l’AOP Picpoul de Pinet 1 avenue du Picpoul - 34850 Pinet Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 06 04 44 Président : Frédéric Sumien www.picpoul-de-pinet.com

Syndicat AOC Languedoc Mas de Saporta, CS 30 030 - 34973 Lattes Cedex Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 06 04 44 www.languedoc-aoc.com

Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc 6, place des Jacobins - BP 221 - 11102 Narbonne Cedex Tél. + 33 (0)4 68 90 38 30 www.languedoc-.com

Contacts Presse : Clair de Lune - Anaïs Marchand 12 rue Saint-Polycarpe - 69001 Lyon Tél. +33 (0)4 72 07 31 90 [email protected]

Picpoul de Pinet GRAND VIN DU LANGUEDOC Picpoul de Pinet Environment and map

Its terroir is the sea

This is a land suffused with the sea breezes coming off the Mediterranean. Here, at the heart of a triangle formed by , Pézenas and Sète can be found the AOC Picpoul de Pinet. Historically, the vineyards have been planted around the Thau basin and cover six communes: Castelnau-de-Guers, , Mèze, Montagnac, Pinet and Pomérols. It produces only white wines based on a single variety: . Today, it is the largest white appellation in the Languedoc.

Key figures (2018)

- Area under production : 2 400 ha classed as Picpoul de Pinet of which 1 400 ha are currently in production - Production area : Castelnau-de-Guers, Florensac, Mèze, Montagnac, Pinet, Pomérols. - Number of producers : 24 independent producers and 4 caves cooperatives - Annual production : 77 000 hectolitres. - Colour produced : white - Trade : (35 %) and export (65 %)

Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 2 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com Picpoul de Pinet

A truly festive terroir

AOP Picpoul de Pinet is by its very essence, refreshing, a convivial wine, great to drink among friends, a party wine. That’s why the Syndicate for the defense of AOP Picpoul de Pinet has chosen to celebrate its festive character by forming a partnership with two of the Languedoc’s liveliest events: the Béziers Féria and the Thau Jazz Festival at Mèze.

. The Béziers Féria in the colours of AOP Picpoul de Pinet The Béziers Féria, which takes place every year in August, is one of the Languedoc’s . Thau Jazz Festival : great summer attractions. For several years AOP Picpoul de Pinet : a leading light now, the Syndicate for the defense of AOP The Thau Jazz Festival, which takes place at Picpoul de Pinet has taken part, at the heart Mèze every year in July, has become a huge of the arenas. There’s a box where guests can event, and attracts all members of the public. taste the best wines of the appellation Since its birth in 1992, the festival has lost none between each fight. There is also an area of its original spirit: open to a great cultural reserved for VIPs, 3m x 4m panels and ushers mix, promoter of its territory, lively and open. sporting tee-shirts in the AOP Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul de Pinet producers were joint colours. founders of the festival and have always been involved. They have their own space so that . Vins, Vignes et Terroirs visitors – especially tourists – may discover This event takes place every year over two some of the riches of the area through tasting days in May and allows one to experience the appellation’s wines. The Picpoul de Pinet the life of a wine-maker. It consists of an name is firmly linked with the Festival and its educational walk through the vineyards of presence adds enormously to the event’s different terroirs, including AOP Picpoul de conviviality. Pinet. The principle is simple: a wine-maker accompanies a group of 6 to 8 members of Further information from: Syndicat de l’AOP the public and explains the vines, the Picpoul de Pinet - Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 06 04 44. landscape and the local landmarks. The key feature is a tasting of the local terroir wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. All for 10 € per person.

Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 3 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com Picpoul de Pinet It started with the Romans

Ever since the 2nd century, viticulture has been at the heart of the AOP Picpoul de Pinet area. In 1985 its continuing success led to it joining the Coteaux du Languedoc family. On 14 February 2013, the INAO* unanimously ratified AOP Picpoul de Pinet as an appellation its own right following the Syndicate’s launch of official procedures in 1992. This recognition was officially published in the organization’s journal on 23 September 2013. (See interview on page 6). * Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité.

A story of wine dating back to the Romans Ever since the 2nd century, viticulture has been at the heart of the AOP Picpoul de Pinet area. Archeological digs at the gallo-roman villa of Présbas, on the shores of the Thau basin, have unveiled six centuries of history. Over thirty years the digs have unveiled numerous stages of its evolution, illustrating the role viticulture played throughout the Roman period. Among the discoveries were presses, a potters’ workshop that produced amphora and a building, which could stock up to 1500 litres of wine. There was even a little port through which the estate’s wine was exported.

Golden centuries Later, from the 14th century onwards, a grape variety with a name similar to AOP Picpoul de Pinet featured in Latin texts under the name picapoll. Nor, in 1600, did the wisdom of Languedoc agronomist Oliver de Seres fail when he praised ‘the tight , juicy, late maturing’ in his Agricultural Theatre. In 1618, Piquepoul was named among the Languedoc’s six most well known grape varieties in the “Sylve Plantarium”, a work by the famous botanist, Pierre Maniol.

The final outcome: recognition of AOP Picpoul de Pinet The Piquepoul grape successfully moved across time. It became increasingly well known in the 19th and 20th centuries, and was awarded the VDQS label in 1954. In 1985, Picpoul de Pinet joined the Coteaux du Languedoc family. In 1992, the Syndicate for the defense of AOP Picpoul de Pinet registered its official request with the Inao (Institut national de l'origine et de la qualité) to be recognized as an AOP in its own right. Since then, AOP Picpoul de Pinet wine producers have never ceased promoting their terroir. The result: with the wind in their sails, production has continued to grow. The 1992 figure of 15,000 hl had, by 2012, increased to 70,000 hl. On 14 February 2013, the AOP Picpoul de Pinet officially joined the great AOC family (see interview p 6) – a happy ending for the producers who have been working towards this end for 27 years.

« The derivation of the word "Piquepoul" is unclear. Currently, the most likely theory is that it relates to a chicken’s (poules) habit of “picking” at grains on the soil. Piquepoul grapes, in fact, easily fall off the vines so there are often many lying on the ground. »

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Key dates

1954 : Picpoul de Pinet achieves status of « Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure. 1985 : Recognized as AOC Languedoc – Picpoul de Pinet. 1992 : Formal request to Inao for recognition as AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in its own right. 1994 : Launch of a communal Syndicate wine bottle « Neptune », featuring the Languedoc cross. Picpoul was the first Syndicate to undertake such a step. 14 February 2013 : the 47 members of the l’Inao (Institut national des appellations d’origine) national committee voted unanimously for its recognition as AOC Picpoul de Pinet. 23 sept. 2013 : publication of decree 2013-851 relating to AOP Picpoul de Pinet in the Journal Officiel. 2018 : release of the book "Picpoul de Pinet, the white Mediterranean vineyards of the Languedoc" by Marc Médevielle

POUL PIC ET N DOC I E GU P LAN N E COLE E VITI D ÉE RIN SS L PER ODY ANUE UNE S EMM APHIE TOGR - PHO IELLE ÉDEV RC M S MA TEXTE

Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 5 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com Picpoul de Pinet

“Every year, our share of the international market increases”

Recognized as an AOC since 14th February 2013, the Picpoul de Pinet appellation is riding high and has become very successful at an international level, with 65% of its wines being sold at export. Committed to the agro- environment, the appellation is also investing in the creation of a disease-resistant variety with a view to the future. Frédéric Sumien, president of the Syndicat AOP Picpoul de Pinet, explains.

Picpoul de Pinet wines are greatly appreciated by consumers, particularly in the export market. How do you explain this success?

F. Sumien – We produce about 80 000 hectoliters per year, which represents between 10 and 12 million bottles. Every year, our international market share increases. We now sell 65% of our production at export, of which 57% to the UK, 11% to the USA and 8% to the Netherlands. We are a rising young appellation, with a very clear message” our terroir is the sea”, a message which interests consumers all over the world. Today, more and more people are discovering Picpoul de Pinet, a fresh wine with aromatic elegance and a lovely acidity. This success is due to the quality of our wines, which is perfectly matched to public taste and to its rarity, since it is produced in such a well- defined area. Even if demand increases, supply will always be limited to 12 million bottles.

On the production side, you have developed the use of sexual confusion and are working on a variety that is disease-resistant. In what way are these agro- environmental projects a priority?

F. Sumien – Within the framework of the protection of the Thau Basin, which is classified as a Natura 2000 site, the agro-environment constitutes a priority for our appellation and we encourage practices that respect the environment, such as sexual confusion. We hope that within the next three years, all our wine-makers will use this method in their vineyards.

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Alongside this, we have undertaken a partnership with the Institut français de la vigne et du vin (IFV) to create a new variety of the piquepoul grape, resistant to diseases such as mildew and odium. We should have the results within the next three years. We are making a wager on the future and change.

Why is AOP Picpoul de Pinet considered a different appellation in the Languedoc?

F. Sumien – AOP Picpoul de Pinet has always been considered a bit of a special case in the Languedoc. The appellation zone is planted with a late-harvest and unique grape, piquepoul, from which are produced only white wines. The other peculiarity is that its terroir is very localized. It is based along the edge of the Thau basin, benefitting from Mediterranean microclimate, which is very dry, with deep, naturally draining soil, allowing the piquepoul grapes to resist the summer droughts.

« The AOP Picpoul de Pinet syndicate has decided to invest 50 000 € over three years to create new resistant varieties of the emblematic piquepoul. »

Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 7 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com Picpoul de Pinet A land by the sea

AOP Picpoul de Pinet vineyards stretch down to the Thau lagoon by Mediterranean shoreline. Little rainfall, mild winter weather, an undeniable marine influence and sea mists - all enhance the development of the Piquepoul grape, a late maturing and unique variety, which form the basis of this appellation.

A Mediterranean type climate The AOP Picpoul de Pinet zone is one of the driest in the Hérault. Vineyards thrive on an average rainfall of 600 mm (24 ins) per annum, probably the lowest in the department and especially low in summer. Winters are mild. Benefiting from maritime influences and sea breezes, temperature variations are moderate.

Naturally draining deep soils To the south of the zone as far as the Thau lagoon, the AOP Picpoul de Pinet terroir is homogenous and largely open to the sea. The land consists of red calcareous clay, sand, gravel, and limestone based rocks. To the north, the area varies between hills, valleys and rocky outcrops. The hilly land affects the climate by limiting the maritime influence on most of the northern land where there are interesting rock formations such as white or beige marl alternating with hard limestone. Generally speaking, AOP Picpoul de Pinet soils are deep and drain well, with low water levels that encourage root development. They ensure moderate and steady water levels, which are ideal for resisting hot, dry summers.

A hot maritime environment The natural vegetation is typical of a hot maritime area with high average temperatures, yet moderate annual and daily highs and lows due to its position near the sea. Glades of pine, green oak and wild shrubs are scattered round the countryside, especially in the north of the appellation. Further south, wild garrigue predominates.

A genetic conservatory devoted to Piquepoul An unusual grape variety largely unknown outside the Languedoc, the white Piquepoul grows over 1430 ha of which 1400 ha are in the official AOP Picpoul de Pinet zone. In 1994, the Syndicate for the defense of AOP Picpoul de Pinet, in partnership with the ATAVH (technical association for the amelioration of Hérault viticulture), set up a genetic conservatory devoted to this grape variety. Of the 240 clones examined, 50 were selected for their agronomic and organoleptic qualities. The conservatory’ objective is to give future generations the means of ensuring their vineyards evolve in line with the genetic riches studied and naturally conserved.

« AOP Picpoul de Pinet is a prime example of an appellation whose grape variety is perfectly adapted to the terroir, hence its slogan: "its terroir is the sea". »

Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 8 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com Picpoul de Pinet From vine to glass

Today, AOP Picpoul de Pinet accounts for 61% of AOC Languedoc white wines. Easy to drink and refreshing, Picpoul de Pinet is essentially a convivial wine, a great drink among friends, a party wine.

The grape Wines are made of 100% Piquepoul, a fine skinned grape which keeps its characteristic light acidity right through to its maturity. The grapes grow in tight clusters. It is perfectly adapted to its terroir thanks to its strong resistance to the local dry conditions and long vegetation period. Late ripening, it is usually harvested after mid-September, which enables it to benefit from cooler late summer weather and night-time sea mists which generally appear after 15 August. Vines are hard pruned into either a traditional "goblet" shape or trained along wires known as "cordon de royat". Planting density is over 4400 plants per hectare. In the glass AOP Picpoul de Pinet wines are exclusively white. They are usually brilliant and clear, pale gold with green highlights when young. On the nose they are delicate and elegant and usually floral (lime and hawthorn) and fruity (grapefruit, lemon) with minerally hints. They are dry, lively white wines with delicate, subtle aromas. Lively in the mouth, they have a clean, light acidity, which makes them stand out from most of the region’s white wines, which, on the whole, are more rounded and rich with higher degrees of alcohol. In that they hail from land near the Mediterranean and the Thau lagoon they are an ideal match for seafood and shellfish. But also – being light and fresh - they make for a splendid aperitif among friends.

The syndicate bottle: from « Neptune » to « Picpoul de Pinet» Back in 1994, Picpoul de Pinet producers commissioned the VOA Verrerie group to design a bottle for the Syndicate, which would echo its link with the sea. The result was "Neptune" inspired by the ancient god of the sea. The base of the bottle is reminiscent of a Corinthian column on a wave that seems to flow to its collar with the Languedoc cross engraved in the glass. Today, 8 million bottles are produced. Since the 10th August 2016, the bottle, on which is engraved AOP Picpoul de Pinet, has become known as the “Picpoul de Pinet” bottle. The aim is to reinforce the position and visibility of the appellation’s wines. The brand has been patented in Europe and belongs to the syndicate.

« Beyond its own terroir, the Piquepoul grape hardly develops any character. But it flourishes in the AOP Picpoul de Pinet zone, a terroir that allows it to express itself fully. »

Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 9 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com Picpoul de Pinet Contact details

AGDE Domaine de Creyssels Julie Benau Domaine de l'Octroi Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 43 80 82 / 07 60 46 76 32 Cathy et Gérard Delort [email protected] Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 94 77 31 www.creyssels.fr [email protected] Domaine de Morin-Langaran CASTELNAU DE GUERS Albert Morin Tél. + 33 (0)6 80 33 26 97 Domaine de Castelnau de Guers [email protected] Christophe Muret Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 98 16 19 Domaine Félines Jourdan [email protected] Claude Jourdan Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 43 69 29 Domaine des Lauriers [email protected] Marc Cabrol www.felines-jourdan.com Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 98 18 20 / 06 07 59 32 14 [email protected] Domaine Font Mars www.domaine-des-lauriers.com Jean-Baptiste de Clock Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 43 81 19 Domaine la Grangette [email protected] Christelle Moret Caron www.font-mars.com Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 98 13 56 / 06 64 71 42 58 [email protected] Mas Saint-Laurent www.domainelagrangette.com Julien Tarroux Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 43 92 30 Domaine la Mirande [email protected] Marie-Laure et Joseph Albajan Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 98 21 52 MONTAGNAC [email protected] www.domainedelamirande.com Château St Martin de la Garrigue Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 00 40 Domaine Reine Juliette [email protected] Marion et Guillaume Allies www.stmartingarrigue.com Tél. + 33 (0)9.88 18 17 77 / 06 35 25 67 78 [email protected] Domaine de la Briffaude Jean-Yves et Cédric Gener FLORENSAC Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 11 77 [email protected] Domaine Coustellier la.briffaude.free.fr Louis Coustellier Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 01 42 / 06 75 23 36 16 Domaine de Bridau [email protected] Michel Pagès Tél. + 33 (0)6 74 00 05 33 Domaine Sopena [email protected] Sopena Père et Fils Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 05 13 / 06 11 81 59 44 Domaine de Campaucels [email protected] Cathy Do Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 19 16 Les Vignerons de Florensac [email protected] Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 00 20 www.domaine-campaucels.com [email protected] www.vinipolis.fr Domaine La Croix Gratiot Anaïs Ricome MÉZE Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 16 96 [email protected] Domaine de Belle Mare www.croix-gratiot.com Benjamin Baudry Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 43 17 68 [email protected] www.belle-mare.com

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Domaine Savary de Beauregard Domaine de Petit Roubié Christophe Savary de Beauregard Floriane et Olivier Azan Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 00 12 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 09 28 [email protected] [email protected] www.savarydebeauregard.com www.petit-roubie.com

Les Vignobles Montagnac Domaine Gaujal Jean-Louis Rèfle Laurent Gaujal Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 24 03 74 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 02 12 [email protected] [email protected] www.cave-picpoul-de-pinet.com www.gaujal.fr

PINET POMEROLS

Cave l'Ormarine Les Costières de Pomerols Cyril Payon Joël Julien Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 03 10 Tél. + 33 (0)4 67 77 01 59 [email protected] [email protected] www.cave-ormarine.com www.cave-pomerols.com

Château de Pinet Simone et Anne-Virginie Arnaud Gaujal Tél. + 33 (0)4 68 32 16 67 / 06 84 13 25 36 [email protected]

AOP Picpoul de Pinet, son terroir, c’est la mer

Le nouveau monde des grands vins

Picpoul dePinet www.picpoul-de-pinet.com GRAND VIN DU LANGUEDOC

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Picpoul de Pinet APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTEGEE 11 www.picpoul-de-pinet.com