Picpoul

Vinifera whiteHard to source

Also known as: Piquepoul Blanc, Picpoul de Pinet

A vinifera white (Languedoc, France; warm-maritime).

Across the consideration criteria

What it makes

Medium-bodiedDryOak avoidedMedium (3–7 yr)Stands alone

Aromatic family

CitrusMineralGreen

Tasting notes

LemonGrapefruitSea SaltGreen Apple

How it grows

Considerations

Winter hardiness≈ -8°F

TenderVery hardy

Primary buds start to die near -8°F. Cold-tender; wants a mild winter or protected site.

Season needed2800 GDD

Early / shortLate / long

Needs roughly 2800 growing degree-days to ripen, a mid-season variety (Winkler III). A mid-length season carries it most years.

Spray / disease loadintensive

HeavyLight

Foliar-disease pressure is heavy for this variety, a intensive spray program in a humid climate. Plan on a full, well-timed fungicide schedule.

Pierce's diseaseSusceptible

SusceptibleResistant

Susceptible to Pierce's disease. Only a threat in the warm, humid South and parts of California; cold-winter regions cure it naturally.

VigorModerate

LowHigh

Moderate vigor. Easier to balance; tolerates more fertile ground.

Heat toleranceModerate

Cool-climateHeat-loving

Moderate heat tolerance. Comfortable across a moderate heat range.

Water demandModerate

Drought-adaptedThirsty

Moderate water demand. Average moisture needs for a wine grape.

Soil pH window6.0–7.0

Acidic 4.5Alkaline 8.5

Prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Outside the band, lime or sulfur brings it in range.

RootstockGraft

Own-rooted OKGraft required

Phylloxera-susceptible: plant grafted onto resistant rootstock.

These are intrinsic to the grape. On a real property, Folia scores each against your site; here they're shown on their own.

Grows alike

similar to grow

Climate-adapted alternatives

more resilient picks

Could Picpoul grow on your land?

See how Picpoul scores against your specific property, with local precedent, climate, and the tradeoffs for your ground.