Christophe Muret's 32 acres of Piquepoul vines grow on limestoneand clay slopes amid pine trees and garrigue just inland from theMediterranean's Thau Basin. L'Étang de Thau is a sanctuary for greyherons and pink flamingos. It's also the most famous source for oystersin Southern France, and the citrus, floral and mineral characteristics of this white wine make it the perfect accompaniment.

Domaine de Castelnau’s origins date back to the 13th Century when it was the property of the Seigneurs (Lords) de Guers. Situated between Béziers and Montpellier, Castelnau-de-Guers is one of six communes that make up the Picpoul de Pinet appellation. This Côteaux du Languedoc sub-region is dedicated entirely to white wine made from the Piquepoul grape. Now owned by Christophe Muret, Domaine de Castelnau is one of only 20 independent domaines in the appellation, as cooperative wineries account for nearly 80% of Picpoul de Pinet production. About 32 of the domaine’s 240 acres are planted to Piquepoul, a variety that has been growing near the Mediterranean’s Thau Basin for centuries. This natural lagoon is one of the finest sources for shellfish in southern France and particularly renown for commercial cultivation of oysters. Languedoc locals and tourists agree that the citrus and mineral characteristics of well-made Picpoul de Pinet make it the perfect accompaniment to les Huîtres de Bouzigues, the basin’s famous bivalves. The rich marine fauna and flora of L’Etang de Thau also make it a desirable habitat for migrating birds including grey herons and pink flamingos, the latter adorning the label of Domaine de Castelnau’s Cuvée L’Etang.