Picardan or Picardan blanc is a white wine grape which is one of 13 permitted blending grapes within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in Rhône wine region in France, although very little planted.

Picardan is rare nowadays, but its first mention in the historical record from 1715 talks about it being "very common", with "greenish, sweet and soft berries". It was cultivated under various names, including Araignan Blanc, Oeillade Blanche, and Gallet, in much of the south of France.

Picardan is clearly the most obscure white wine grape allowed and used in Chateauneuf du Pape. Today, less than 1.65 hectares are planted to the varietal.

Indigenous to the Rhône Valley, this white grape variety is today very little used and very rare. It is exclusive to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Large leaves, with a velvet-like underside. Compact clusters of large elliptic berries, which take a pinkish hue at maturity. Late-budding, mid-ripening. Vigorous variety.

The 2021 Picardan shows a complex, savory nose of lime, peppery citrus leaf, and briny oyster shell. On the palate, very bright with flavors of lemon and fresh green herbs, crushed rock, and sweet spice.

Feb 3, 2025 · Picardan is a leading contender for the title of France’s most rarefied wine experience. With the notable exception of Tablas Creek in California, we are unaware of any winemaker producing a single-varietal expression from the grape.

Nov 22, 2016 · Picardan is a white grape of the Rhone. It is dark and once in a while made for other than mixes. It offers little character in wine and has a light mouthfeel. It has a long history covered in Châteauneuf-du-Pape mixes of southern France. They cover about 7% of the fields and the white wines are 6-7% of the creation.

Aug 19, 2021 · Today there is a reasonable planting of Picardan vines in the Texas High Plains, principally in vineyards near Levelland, TX, west of Lubbock in Hockley County. Kim McPherson purchased some of these Picardan grapes and used them in …

Jul 30, 2017 · Picardan is rare nowadays, but its first mention in the historical record from 1715 talks about it being "very common", with "greenish, sweet and soft berries". 1 It was cultivated under various names, including Araignan Blanc, Oeillade Blanche, and Gallet, in much of the south of France.

In France, Picardan is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" on the A list and classified. - the ellipsoid berries. Picardan has a moderate vigor, with a semi-erect bearing. It must be pruned short and preferably trellised.