One of the best new alternatives whites you must try.

Picpoul de Pinet is one of the best-value whites from the south of France. The Domaine Felines Jourdan, based just to the west of Meze near the Bassin de Thau has been in the Jourdan family since 1983. It is Picpoul which has made them famous. The richness and complexity of the wines comes from the diversity of the local soils: clay and chalk, red and gravelly, gravel and quartz.

Picpoul means “lip stinger” and is just one of the intriguing white wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Find out more about this Mediterranean paradise of sunshine friendly wines.

Fun, bright, easy, light… That sounds like the description for the ideal summer day. This also happens to be the style of a group of lesser-known wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, an area that spans from Nîmes to Spain, just west of the French Riviera. The wines of Languedoc-Roussillon are a patchwork quilt of colors and styles, dry/sweet/still/sparkling/fortified, all made under the Mediterranean sun. Wine Folly

"Gold coloured and shiny, with green shades. On the palate, the typical acidity of Picpoul de Pinet is balanced by the depth and persistence due to the dry summer, perfect for this grape variety. First, the wine is fresh and aromatic, notes of pear and citrus. Then, it develops crystallized lemon, peach and pomelo aromas which confirm the minerality and freshness. Ample final with subtle aniseed notes." Winery notes (2022 Vintage)

"You’ll struggle to find better value classic Picpoul de Pinet than this racy, refreshing number from Domaine Félines Fourdan. There’s good purity of lemon fruit on the nose, followed by wildflower honey and touches of blossom and oatmeal. The palate is really succulent and tasty, showing sweet ripe fruit and candied lemon peel balanced by salty, wet stones and a hint of wild fennel." 91/100 Natalie Earl, Decanter, August 2023 (2022 Vintage)