Vignobles Canet Picpoul de Pinet 2024

Vignobles Canet Picpoul de Pinet is a crisp and lemony fresh, light-bodied white from the south of France. Consider it an unexpected—and delicious—alternative to Pinot Grigio.

The wine is 100% Picpoul (pronounced ‘peek-pool’), a white grape native to southern France’s Languedoc. It actually has its own appellation—Picpoul de Pinet AOC—stretching from the sunny Mediterranean coast inward to the ancient Roman village of Pézenas.

Top wine writer Oz Clarke says the name Picpoul means “lipstinger,” which is hard to imagine for such a mild-mannered white, while locals claim it refers to the habit of local chickens (poules) pecking at grapes that have fallen from the vines.

Either way, this selection from the highly respected Minervois estate, Château Canet, is totally refreshing, with pear and peach aromas followed by zippy citrus flavors on the palate. Not surprisingly, given the vineyard’s proximity to the Mediterranean, it makes a refreshing accompaniment to lightly cooked fish dishes of all types.