A lip-stinging bargain and a great change up for the white wine lovers, we review the 2023 Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet from Trader Joe’s.
100% Picpoul (or Piquepoul) from the Languedoc region in France. The wine does not spend any time in oak.
In the US, this wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s for just $8.99. It is imported by Advantage International.
From the bottle:
Located in the high terroirs of the Picpoul de Pinet apellation, close to the small village of Montagnac, Foncastel is issued from the only piquepoul grape variety. With a nice clear colour with green glints, it offers a fresh bouquet with citrus fruits notes completed by a heady and crisp aroma. Ideal as the aperitif, it goes perfectly with seafood and fish.
13% Alcohol
Picpoul, which is primarily grown in the coastal regions of France, is known for its naturally high, mouthwatering acidity. Thus the name Picpoul (pronounced peek-pool) which literally translates as “stings the lip”. A great wine for seafood and lighter fare it plays a similar role in Southern France as Albarino does in Spain. It’s a wonderful change up for white wine lovers. Let’s check out how it tastes.
The 2023 Foncastel Picpoul de Pinet opens with an inviting aroma full of lemon and lime plus other citrus notes.
Tasting reveals a lovely mouthfeel with plenty of acidity. This fresh and refreshing, light- to medium-bodied wine is filled with citrus flavors like the nose but they are much more tart in the mouth. Really easy to drink on its own, it will also pair great with seafood and even spicy foods.
A bit of salty minerality comes out under the fruit and leads into the dry, crisp, long and lip-smacking finish that is true to its name. Overall it’s a bit on the simple side, but still very tasty.
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.
You can also find more of our favorite wines from France here!
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