Les Caves Richemer is a producer based in the Côtes de Thau region of southern France, specialising in distinctive white wines made from heritage grape varieties rarely seen elsewhere. What sets them apart is their focus on Picpoul and Terret Blanc—traditional Mediterranean grapes that demand skill to vinify well, yet deliver crisp, food-friendly results that reflect the terroir of their coastal location.

About Les Caves Richemer

Les Caves Richemer works within the IGP Côtes de Thau appellation, an area shaped by proximity to the Mediterranean and characterised by warm summers and limestone-influenced soils. The producer has built their reputation on reviving and perfecting local white grape varieties that had fallen out of fashion, recognising their potential to express genuine regional character.

Picpoul, the dominant variety, is a traditional Languedoc grape that thrives in warm climates and produces naturally crisp, mineral-driven wines with good acidity. Terret Blanc, equally historic, adds complexity and a more textured mouthfeel. Both grapes are relatively rare in modern wine production, making Les Caves Richemer's decision to champion them a deliberate move away from international homogeneity.

The winemaking approach prioritises clean expression of fruit and terroir rather than intervention. The Côtes de Thau's maritime influence—sea breezes moderate heat and extend the growing season—allows these varieties to retain the acidity and freshness they need for balance. This is not bombastic winemaking; it is restrained and technical, designed to let the particular character of each variety emerge naturally from the vineyard.

Les Caves Richemer Wines in Our Collection

The 2024 Piquepoul IGP (88 points) is the entry point to the producer's range. Crisp and mineral-driven, it delivers the signature salinity and herbaceous edge that Picpoul is known for—a wine that positively invites food pairing and represents excellent value for a well-made regional white.

The 2023 Terret Blanc IGP is the more refined offering (89 points, Jancis Robinson; 3.7 Vivino). Described as tropical and balanced, this wine shows more weight and complexity on the palate than the Picpoul, with subtle fruit character and a longer finish. This is the wine to choose if you want something with more presence and texture, yet still refreshing enough for a warm evening or lighter dishes.

Both wines are bottled at modest alcohol levels suited to their function as dry whites for the table. Neither aims for richness or oak influence; instead, they prioritise drinkability and versatility across a range of occasions and menus.

Food Pairing

Serve the Picpoul with shellfish, grilled fish, or simple seafood preparations—oysters, langoustines, or sea bass with herbs. Its natural salinity echoes the Mediterranean coast. The Terret Blanc works equally well with white fish, but also carries the weight for lighter poultry dishes, vegetable-based starters, and fresh cheeses. Both are ideal as aperitif wines in warm weather.

What makes Picpoul and Terret Blanc special?

Both are traditional Languedoc varieties rarely seen in modern wine production. Picpoul delivers crisp, mineral-driven whites with natural acidity; Terret Blanc adds complexity and texture. Les Caves Richemer revives these heritage grapes to express genuine regional character.

Are these wines dry or sweet?

Both the Picpoul and Terret Blanc are dry white wines. They are designed as table wines with food, not as aperitifs or dessert wines.

How do I choose between the two?

Start with the Picpoul (88 pts) for bright, herbaceous, seafood-friendly refreshment. Choose the Terret Blanc (89 pts) if you prefer more weight, complexity, and texture on the palate while retaining freshness.

Who makes Les Caves Richemer wines?

Les Caves Richemer is a producer based in the Côtes de Thau region of southern France, specialising in heritage white grape varieties. They focus on reviving and perfecting local varieties like Picpoul and Terret Blanc that had fallen out of fashion.

What style of wine does Les Caves Richemer make?

Les Caves Richemer makes crisp, mineral-driven whites from heritage grapes Picpoul and Terret Blanc. The 2023 Terret Blanc scores 89 points and is described as tropical and balanced, prioritising clean fruit expression and terroir over intervention.