Delicat, Picpoul de Pinet, 2023

In the local dialect, Picpoul means 'a sting on the lips'.

I can see what they mean - but it really is much more pleasant than it sounds. But it does sting with bone-dry crispness, salinity, and citrus freshness.

The Picpoul de Pinet vineyard area borders the Etang de Thau, a large lagoon on the edge of the Mediterranean sea. The maritime influence, both cultural and climatic, is strong here.

It’s the marine pressure – the sea breezes, sea freshness and low rainfall – that allows the grapes to ripen well into September.

A really wonderful wine for summer sipping.