Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul de Pinet 2008

This 2001 is a fresh, lively, medium-bodied effort with surprising texture, wonderful floral/citrusy aromas and flavors, and a dry, zinging finish. This has been a perennial best buy selection from an excellent cooperative in the Languedoc. Few Americans have a clue as to what Picpoul is (the grape is actually called Folle Blanche), but who cares? It has more in common with Muscadet than anything else. Drink it over the next year.

The 2002 (100% tank fermented Picpoul) exhibits copious quantities of tart grapefruit and green apple notes, light body, crisp, tangy acidity, and a refreshing, zesty personality. It is the kind of dry white that New World producers have yet to master. Enjoy it over the next year.

Quite a mouthful in more ways than one. It's been a long time since we've had one of these to offer, now just in time for the tail-end of summer. Almost never allowed to solo, this grape gets blended with everything from Albariño to Zinfandel. How refreshing to revel in its rarefied purity. Delightfully aromatic, with flavors of Bosc and Anjou pear, honeydew melon, lychee nut and grapefruit. Crisp and lean in texture and execution. Use it as you would Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Fresh, clean and vibrant, with pleasant flavors of grapefruit and tart green apple. A refreshing wine that will match well with many appetizers, it possesses mild acidic notes that lead to a pleasant finish.

From the Côteaux du Languedoc comes this intriguingly dry, single-varietal white made from the Picpoul grape. Delightfully aromatic, with flavors and aromas of Bosc and Anjou pear, peach, honeydew melon, lychee nut and grapefruit. Crisp and lean in texture and execution, with good length and a finish that echoes pear and citrus. Use it as you would a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

The latest installment of a perennial amazing value, the 2008 Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet H.B. from the region's Cave de Pomerols coop (reviewed in past reports under its full, original name "Hugues Beaulieu" - which no longer appears on the label) smells of clover, musk, peaches, and melons. Its refreshing, yet downright lush, palate suggests salt-tinged honeydew and watermelon, with invigoratingly bitter and pungent notes of melon rind, peach kernel, and mint chiming in on a long, savory, lip-smacking finish. This is ideal "refrigerator white," except for the fact that instead of putting the plastic stopper back into it, you'll want to finish the bottle!

Offering excellent value, the 2006 Picpoul de Pinet Hugues Beaulieu (from the region's Cave de Pomerols coop) smells of clover, lemon, and the refreshment of an ocean breeze. Subtly chalky and saline on the palate and lilting in its refreshing lemon, lime, and flowers, this is a perfect warm weather refresher or "refrigerator white."