Domaine du Pioch d'Or

Domaine du Pioch d'Or is owned by the Gaujal family, which made its fortune as a distiller in the south of l'Aveyron (about 100 miles from the Mediterranean coast, between the cities of Toulouse and Montpellier). The family settled in Pezenas in the early 1700's, and acquired its first land in Pinet when Antoine Gaujal married Anne Guinard in 1744. Since then the family has maintained a prominent role in the village, with numerous family members serving as Mayor of Pezenas over the years.

Ludovic (Senior) Gaujal was the first to sell wine under the family's own label, when he began selling his wines in bottles and 10 liter barrels from the cellar door in the late 1920's. An accomplished winegrower, he served as President of the farmer's association in Beziers, and in 1925, was awarded the "Prime d'Honneur", which, at the time, was the highest honor awarded in agriculture!

Today, the domaine is run by Ludovic (Junior) Gaujal, and is comprised of more than 70 acres south of Pezenas, overlooking the Mediterranean around the Basin of Thau. More than 32 acres are devoted to Picpoul, one of the oldest and most famous Langdocienne varieties. Planted in clay/limestone-based terroirs, the vines average an impressive 30+ years in age, and are grown traditionally as untrellised bushvines. There is a strong focus on sustainable agriculture, with all labor undertaken by hand.

The Picpoul de Pinet is vinified by ambitious winemaker/oenologist Jeff Carrel, who also produces Puydeval, the Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that has become a favorite among HPS wines.