Medium lemon-gold color; green apple, lemon, grapefruit on the nose; lemon, green apple, grapefruit, peach, minerality-saline on the palate.
Dry; medium-light body; no oak or tannins. 100% picpoul blanc from Languedoc; all estate-grown. Organic, but not yet certified. Grapes are destemmed, pneumatically pressed, fermented and aged in temperature-controlled stainless steel. 13% ABV
Domaine Reine Juliette is located on the southern side of A9, which historically was the Via Domitia connecting Italy to Spain. The Via Domitia also was known as “Via Reine Juliette” after a queen who traveled upon it. The estate borders the historic road, and thus was named for the queen.
Guillaume Alliès and his sister Marion inherited the estate from their parents in 1985. Today, they are joined by Guillaume’s son working the land. They are the sixth and seventh generation making wine on the estate. The makers assert they are different from other picpoul imports because they are exclusive estate grown and bottled. This effort is a singular expression of place and red clay terroir made with perfectionist detail honed through seven generations of family winemaking.
Domaine Reine Juliette Picpoul de Pinet Terres Rouges 2020 is classic Languedoc picpoul de pinet made from single estate vineyard worked by the same family for seven generations. Picpoul translates as “stings the lip”—well, maybe a little bit in this case. Mostly, picpoul is delicious alternative to sauvignon blanc and non-oaked chardonnay. This is exceptionally good for the price point and clearly worth a sip. Or two, Or three. Works as and aperitif or sipped by itself chilled on summer day on porch, pool side, patio, porch, picnic. Pair with seafood, especially lean fish; shellfish—oysters, lobster; fried calamari; pasta dishes; chicken—fried chicken; vegetarian fare. Cheese—barrel-aged feta is classic pairing; minger; admiral collingwood; ricotta, crème fraîche, fontina. $14-15
Domaine Reine Juliette website (French language)
Domaine Reine Juliette U.S. importer website
