The 'terroir' of the AOC Picpoul de Pinet terroir is located around the Bassin de Thau, a gigantic saltwater inland lake. The roots of the vines here are almost really in the Mediterranean, which you can certainly taste in the wine. Because the vineyards are close to the coast, the soil here consists mainly of limestone that comes from the fossils of crustaceans and shellfish. This in combination with the exuberant sunshine gives beautiful ripe fruit with fine acidity and a slight saltiness. The Bassin Thau is a natural breeding ground for delicious oysters and mussels, which immediately made a good friend at the table with Picpoul de Pinet.
Villa des Croix is different from most Picpoul de Pinet. Most Picpouls are bottled in December/January, after fermentation and settling. However, the Villa des Croix also matures 'Sur Lie' (on its lees) for a minimum of 4 months to add structure, weight, body and complexity, without compromising the expected fruity and mouthwatering character of a Picpoul de Pinet. 95 points in London and a firm 9.5 from Harold Hamersma tell the rest.
