Who makes it?

Villa Blanche is one of the brands produced by Domaine Calmel & Joseph from the Languedoc.  Many of the wines under the Domaine’s name, are organically produced as well. The Villa Blanche range is not as yet. The range contains not just a white Picpoul de Pinet, but some of the others are Viognier, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc and a Malbec. 

How do they make it?

Piquepoul Noir is an unusual variation of the grape Piquepoul de Pinet which gives its name to the white wine appellation from the South of France. The region of Piquepoul de Pinet AOC is Etang de Thau which is a large lagoon right beside the sea. The lagoon is between Montpellier and Beziers. 

It is quite hard to find a wine of this grape variety and I would like to see more versions of it. It is actually allowed in Chateauneuf-de-Pape. 

The Villa Blanche Picquepoul Noir is a red wine was aged in cement vats for 5 months before bottling. This has allowed the light tannins to soften further to add structure but they are not really noticeable.

What does it taste like?

Like its white counterpart, the Piquepoul Noir is fragrant. It has an intense nose of cherry and raspberry with a light crisp tartness of cranberry, just to add some freshness. It is lower in alcohol and low in tannins which makes it a really good wine to chill a little.

Drink this wine young to capture that fruitiness. 

What to drink it with?

I can think of many things that you can drink with this wine. A platter of charcuterie, and antipasti, apertisers, spiced chicken or a burger. Or maybe some figs stuffed with fresh goats cheese and pine nuts and wrapped in prosciutto.

It is really quite irresistibly versatile.

Quickie review « Slightly tart cranberry, ripe raspberry medium bodied red that is juicy, balanced and intensely flavoured! »

Country of Origin: Languedoc, France
Tasting Date: May 2022
Price:  UK £8.5 
Drink: now 
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

If you like other lighter red wines, why not check out:
Waitrose ‘Lost and Found’ Frappato

Visit calmel-joseph.com for more.