Traditional method yeasty complexity balances crunchy, green apple fruit.

With a delicately spiced, fruity nose, this wine has fresh, green apple fruit and is nicely rounded, with plenty of texture and ripe lemon acidity.

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.

Grown on southern slopes overlooking tidal sea lakes which create a microclimate which moderates weather and encourages cooler breezes to pass through. The Piquepoul grape is native to southern France where, even this far south, can yield fruit with high acidity that is perfect for sparkling wines. There are two theories as to the meaning of the word ‘piquepoul’ – the first translation is ‘lip stinger’ which is the effect of the high acidity of the grape; the second refers to the hens (‘poul’) in the vineyards pecking/lancing (‘picque’) the low hanging grapes. The soil around this area is chalky with a high fossil and quartz content. Produced using the principles of 'agriculture raisonnée', this has been made with the traditional method. Classified as a 'VMQS', it has undergone a second fermentation in bottle before ageing on its lees for at least 9 months.

An ideal apéritif; even better when followed by a platter of seafood and grilled fish as would be traditional on the shores of the Étang de Thau, the famous oyster and mussel-filled saltwater lake close to Cave de l'Ormarine.