Raise your hand if you have ever tasted a sparkling Picpoul? No? I thought not. Me neither. But since this grape from southern France is known for its good acidity, then perhaps it does make sense. This Halter Ranch bubbly has a lot of mousse and is quite refreshing and a little ripe fruitier than your standard Chardonnay-Pinot combo. It has nice minerality and, surprisingly, noticeable tannins. It is quite tasty, but it could use more crispness in the finish.
Halter Ranch, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) Picpoul 2020
By Roger Morris