The ability to travel is one of the greatest gifts we have. Experiencing new places, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures allows not only your perspective on the world to grow but ignites your imagination. From taking a day trip to a new county to flying around the world to a new country, traveling opens the mind. How lucky are we!

The other evening we opened a bottle of Picpoul Blanc, a refreshing little white grape from the south of France. The first time I tried the wine was traveling to the grape’s native region, Picpoul de Pinet, within the Languedoc, next to the Mediterranean Sea. I hadn’t tried the wine before the trip, and honestly, I am not sure I ever would have.

Bottled in tall skinny bottles, like many from Mosel, Pfalz, or Alsace, an initial thought may have been that the wine may be on the sweeter side, as many offerings from the cool-climate regions. Picpoul couldn’t be farther from that.

Meaning “stings the lips,” Picpoul grapes are ripe with acidity and freshness. Heavily influenced by the sea, imparting a briny salinity into the vibrant wine. Wines are full-bodied, showing ripe fruit flavors of golden citrus melding with soft herbal notes reminding me of an Albarino or Sauvignon Blanc. And, the wines are a bargain, rarely costing over $15 a bottle.

The selection we enjoyed was Hugues Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet. It was a bargain, around $10 a bottle, and delicious on a balmy summer day. Served chilled, the wine is crisp and clean, with racy acidity, a focused line of minerality, juicy lemon-lime, and that intriguing salty note. A tasty wine on its own, or with seafood, summer salads, or light pasta dishes. #Cheers