Picardan

Picardan is a lesser-known white grape variety originating from the esteemed wine province of Rhône Valley in Southern France. This grape is so rare that it covers only around one hectare in the whole Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, meaning that it truly is a specialist wine for discerning connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Picardan grapes are rather difficult to cultivate due to their reclining tendency towards disease and rot, making it quite a challenging grape to grow. However, the difficulty in growing these grapes only adds to their subsequent allure and rareness. Their geographical concentration in Southern France, with only minor growths in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and Australia, adds to this exclusivity.

The wine produced from Picardan grapes is typically light to medium-bodied and is known for its tangy acidity. It possesses a delicate, floral character with notes of green fruits such as apple and pear alongside subtle herbal undertones. Some wine enthusiasts even detect a slight minerality in this wine, which further adds to its complexity and unique profile.

Despite its anonymity in the world of viticulture, the Picardan grape holds considerable weight in the production of premium Châteauneuf-du-Pape white blends. Its contribution to these exceptional French wines remains largely unsung, but to those who are aware, they appreciate the subtle flavours it brings to what is considered one of the Rhône Valley's most refined products. Recently, this grape’s cultivation has been expanding into the New World, with some Australian growers exploring its potential in their soil.

In conclusion, although the Picardan grape may not be a household name, its relative obscurity can be a boon to wine aficionados around the world keen to sample the unique complexities that this grape brings to the table. It certainly holds a unique spot among white grape varieties, and its presence in distinguished French wine blends speaks volumes of its quality and character.

Buy Picardan wine below.