Marion Alliès and her brother Guillaume have
been making the regional speciality of AOP Picpoul de Pinet here
for 5 generations.
The sunny south of France is perfect for producing healthy, ripe
grapes without too much need for intervention. Despite its
relatively high acidity this is fairly late ripening grape here and
is harvested after some of the red varieties.
The vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils in this
Mediterranean climate where long, hot summers and relatively mild
winters help to bring the Piquepoul (Picpoul de Pinet) grapes to
full phenolic ripeness.
The 40 hectare estate has 18 hectares of Picpoul de Pinet in
production. While Marion is dedicated to commercial activities,
Guillaume is in charge of the vineyard and the cellar, where he
makes a handcrafted Picpoul. He is a talented winemaker who pays
great attention to details, with winemaking experience in the Maipo
Valley in Chile, which helps him take the best out of both New and
Old World know-how. Guillaume Alliès produces a complex, deep and
lively example of this fresh, vibrant wine - a great alternative to
Sauvignon Blanc.