The 2024 Darnault Picpoul de Pinet is a beautifully crisp and refreshing Mediterranean white from the sun-drenched coastal vineyards of southern France, showcasing the vibrant purity and saline minerality that have made Picpoul one of the world’s great seafood wines. Crafted by Benjamin Darnault from vineyards near the Étang de Thau lagoon in the Languedoc, the wine is produced entirely from Picpoul Blanc — a traditional regional variety celebrated for its naturally bright acidity and thirst-quenching freshness. The maritime climate and limestone-rich soils surrounding Pinet give the wine its signature mineral tension and subtle sea-breeze character, while the warm yet balanced 2024 vintage delivered excellent aromatic lift and ripe citrus intensity without sacrificing freshness. Modern Picpoul de Pinet continues to rise in quality and reputation, with critics increasingly recognising the appellation for producing vibrant, expressive and exceptional-value white wines.
The nose reveals lemon zest, lime blossom and green apple layered alongside pear skin, white flowers and delicate sea spray minerality, giving the wine remarkable freshness and coastal character. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with lively acidity, crisp citrus energy and a beautifully clean mineral backbone that carries through the entire wine. Layers of grapefruit, citrus peel, melon and saline notes unfold with excellent precision and balance, finishing long, zesty and mouthwatering with classic Picpoul freshness. Reviewers consistently praise the wine’s purity, bright acidity and food-friendly style, while the appellation itself continues to gain attention for producing increasingly refined expressions with greater texture and complexity alongside its trademark freshness.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2024 Darnault Picpoul de Pinet is a superb coastal French white — crisp, mineral and effortlessly refreshing with vibrant citrus character and classic Mediterranean charm. An outstanding seafood wine and one of the best-value summer whites from France. Perfect with oysters, prawns, grilled fish, sushi, calamari, fresh salads or light Mediterranean dishes. Serve well chilled and enjoy young for maximum freshness and vibrancy.
