Domaine La Croix Gratiot

Anaïs Ricome oversees Domaine La Croix Gratiot, which has earned recognition as one of the top producers of Picpoul de Pinet in Languedoc. Her father Yves began bottling wine at the estate in 2005, and Anaïs took over with a clear vision: her winemaking philosophy centers on expressing local varieties through the lens of their terroir with purity and precision. After working in New Zealand, she brought that philosophy home to the 35-hectare family property. In recent years she has transitioned the vineyard to biodynamic farming and achieved organic certification from 2021 onwards. Her commitment to quality and terroir-focused winemaking has earned recognition from La Revue du Vin de France.

About Domaine La Croix Gratiot

The estate's vineyard structure has been carefully refined since 1996, with varieties planted to suit the specific soil and microclimate of each parcel. Picpoul thrives on the chalky plateau where maritime breezes cool the vines and encourage the development of the grape's aromatic compounds and mineral acidity. This cool-climate influence produces expressive, stone-fruit-driven wines with real freshness on the finish.

Anaïs makes two distinct Picpoul de Pinet expressions. The standard Picpoul de Pinet is a bright, green and flinty white showing pure stone fruit character. Her premium offering, Bréchallune, draws from choice vineyard sites where grapes undergo ceramic amphorae fermentation before resting on lees to develop greater texture and complexity that justifies its premium positioning. The estate's Désir Blanc is a white blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Sauvignon Blanc, delivering perfumed aromatics, refreshing acidity and a long, balanced finish—a wine that shows the breadth of the producer's ambition beyond Picpoul.

This aromatic, elegant red shows notes of rose, violet and red cherry with a hint of spice. The Rouge Cerise is a pure Syrah made with short maceration to preserve its fragrant, fresh red fruit character. This diversity of styles reflects Anaïs's desire to showcase what the terroir can deliver across different grape varieties, moving beyond the region's traditional single-varietal focus.

Domaine La Croix Gratiot Wines in Our Collection

The 2025 Picpoul de Pinet (89 points) is the entry point to the estate's core style—a green, flinty expression of the variety with stone fruit purity and mineral drive. For those seeking depth, the 2024 Bréchallune Picpoul de Pinet (92 points, Vert de Vin) delivers that same site character with added texture from amphorae fermentation and lees aging; this is the wine that shows what Picpoul can become in the right hands.

If you want to explore beyond Picpoul, the 2025 Désir Blanc (89 points) blends Viognier, Roussanne and Sauvignon Blanc for a tropical, balanced white that pairs broad food versatility with genuine complexity. On the red side, Les Zazous Pinot Noir 2024 (89 points) is essential if you're curious about the estate's New Zealand-inspired winemaking philosophy—aromatic, elegant and entirely different from Southern Rhône convention. The 2025 Rouge Cerise (89 points) offers a lighter, fresh red Syrah for everyday drinking, with pure red fruit and fragrance.

Food Pairing

The Picpoul de Pinet works brilliantly with shellfish, oysters and seafood platters, where its mineral acidity cuts through brine and fat. Bréchallune's added richness matches white fish in cream sauce or roasted chicken. Désir Blanc suits Mediterranean vegetables, goat's cheese and herb-forward salads. Les Zazous Pinot Noir pairs with duck, mushroom dishes and lighter red meats, while Rouge Cerise is ideal for charcuterie, grilled fish with red fruit garnish, or unpretentious bistro fare.

What makes Anaïs Ricome's approach to winemaking distinctive?

She focuses on pure, site-specific wines that reflect local terroir. Her time in New Zealand influenced her philosophy. She has transitioned the estate to biodynamic farming and achieved organic certification from 2021.

What is Bréchallune and why is it different from the standard Picpoul?

Bréchallune is a premium Picpoul de Pinet made from selected parcels, fermented in ceramic amphorae and aged on lees post-fermentation. This adds texture and complexity compared to the standard expression.

Why does the estate grow Pinot Noir in Languedoc?

Anaïs planted Pinot Noir—a rarity in Southern France—inspired by her work in New Zealand. Les Zazous Pinot Noir reflects her desire to showcase what the terroir can deliver across different grape varieties beyond Picpoul.

Who makes Domaine La Croix Gratiot wines?

Anaïs Ricome oversees the estate in Languedoc, which her father Yves founded in 2005. She took over with a focus on expressing local varieties through terroir, bringing experience from New Zealand to the 35-hectare family property.

What style of wine does Domaine La Croix Gratiot make?

Picpoul de Pinet is the flagship: green, flinty whites with stone fruit and mineral drive (89 points). They also produce Viognier–Roussanne–Sauvignon Blanc blends, elegant Syrah reds, and Pinot Noir—all terroir-focused with purity and precision.

How much does Domaine La Croix Gratiot wine cost?

Wines range between £14.35 and £21.10. Entry-level Picpoul and Désir Blanc sit around £14–15; the premium Bréchallune Picpoul and Les Zazous Pinot Noir reach £19–21.