From vineyards close to the shores of the Languedoc's Étang de Thau, this is a well-priced IGP in the style of Picpoul de Pinet.
Production
The terraced vineyards of the Côtes de Thau slope gently up from the western shores of the Étang de Thau (the seawater lagoon which is France's famous source of oysters and mussels) and comprise of limestone clay and red sandstone. Lying close to the sea tempers the severe heat of this part of southern France, allowing even ripening of Grenache Blanc and Terret Blanc. Grapes are harvested at night, destemmed before gentle pressing and fermented at low temperatures to preserve the aromas.
Cave de l’Ormarine, VilleMarin Blanc, IGP Côtes de Thau 2023 (6 bottles case)
Vivino ratings
Tasting notes
Delicate and refreshing, with a lively lime citrus character from Terret Blanc (a relative of Picpoul) and iodine notes typical of wines from this coastal terroir. Tasty and well-balanced, this is a good example of an interesting IGP from the Côtes de Thau in the Languedoc.
Food match
Along the shores of the Étang de Thau are cabins serving freshly shucked oysters and mussels cooked in large pans over open fires - the prefect match. Grilled fish or prawns would also work well, as would summer salads.
Info
-
ABV
12.5%
-
CASE/BOTTLE SIZE
6 x 75cl
-
REGION/COUNTRY
LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
-
GRAPE
TERRET BLANC 80%, GRENACHE BLANC 20%
-
CLOSURE
SYNTHETIC CORK
-
WINEMAKER
CYRIL PAYON
-
APPELLATION
IGP CÔTES DE THAU
-
ALLERGEN INFO
CONTAINS SULPHITES AND NO OTHER ALLERGENS
-
Meet the producer
Cave de l'Ormarine is an award-winning co-operative which produces wines from the tiny Pinet de Picpoul appellation in the Hérault. The Ormarine cellar was established in 1922 when vignerons from Pinet joined forces and formed a winegrowers' association. Today, the Cave de l'Ormarine is a conglomeration of five separate co-operatives from across the Hérault, each with their own specific terroirs and styles of wine. It is proud to have 470 members farming more than 2,500 hectares of vines.
Its flagship Picpoul wines are fresh and terroir-driven, and hugely influenced by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Etang de Thau, which act as a thermal regulator for the vineyards. In fact, it is said of Picpoul that, "Son terroir, c'est la mer (Its terroir is the sea)."
Cave de l'Ormarine has made significant investment in its winery, and prides itself on the high quality standard and traceability of its grapes.