Domaine Felines-Jourdan
Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet, Vin de Pays
Languedoc, France
The key to the extraordinary quality of the whites from Felines Jourdan is the site next to the Thau lagoon on the Mediterranean coast of the Languedoc. It lies south of the famous small port of Sete, near Montpelier, and oyster producing village Bouzigues. Just inland from the sea, the vines benefit from northern winds and sea breezes which help to maintain both humidity and freshness. It would be too hot further inland for white grapes but here is perfect.
In particular, the Picpoul grape variety is unique and highly successful here. Picpoul means literally “lipstinger” due to its high acidity, which is great for giving balance and energy to the wines.
The Jourdan family bought the old Felines estate in Meze in 1983 when they took the farsighted decision to move out of a local cooperative. They acquired two more Domaines in the neighbourhood in 1990 and 1996, which gave terroir diversity. The Felines vineyard is clay-chalk; the Coulette vineyard is sandy gravel with some quartz; the Cadastres vineyard is white limestone and red earth and gravel. In total now, the estate is 110 hectares, making it the largest private Domaine in the Picpoul appellation.
From the winery, there’s a beautiful view to the sea. And with plentiful of fresh fish and seafood, as well as great local restaurants, it’s a great place to enjoy the most local wine and food in a relaxed and natural setting. While Picpoul is the house specialty, Claude Jourdan also makes great Roussanne (in AOC Languedoc), Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay (VdP d’Oc), each of which benefits from the same climatic conditions as the Picpoul.
In the Jourdan family, winemaking is a woman’s business and they’re very successful! In 1996 Claude, the current winemaker, took over from her Mother who made the wines before her.
