Domaine Belle Mare Picpoul de Pinet is a brilliant example of this classic Languedoc white wine. Wonderfully dry and fresh in the mouth with citrus, lemon and grapefruit fruit flavours. There is a saline, mineral touch, zippy mouthfeel and a tangy finish. Wonderful wine as an aperitif, lazy summer afternoons or with shellfish.

Domaine Belle Mare is a lovely estate located outside Meze in southern France which sits midway between Montpellier and Beziers. The majority of the Domaine’s 58 hectares of vineyards are planted on the banks of the Etang de Thau, the largest and deepest seaside saltwater lake in the region. It makes for a unique terroir where the dry, arid climate of the garrigue landscape is tempered by the spray and cool salt air of the ocean and lake.

The area is home to the Picpoul de Pinet AOC which is the Languedoc’s largest white wine appellation. It is also a mecca for oyster and mussel farming, known for its famous Bouzigues oysters. Picpoul’s unique saline flavour and rasping acidity is a match made in heaven with shellfish, enjoying the pair together by the lagoon is one of life’s little pleasures.