Domaine Romain Julbe of Pinet
Independent Winemaker in the South of France
Tucked between sprawling garrigue forests and the bassin de Thau lagoon is the small French village of Pinet, established in 967 within the Languedoc region in the coastal south of France.
There are multiple winemaking enterprises in and around the village, many producing the famous AOP Picpoul de Pinet wines, and others independently producing a variety of white, red, rose and sparkling wines.
Nestled in arid soils of clay, limestone, sandstone and silt; the grapevines around Pinet are constantly tested by sun soaked days, limited rainfalls and sometimes harsh Mediterranean sea winds and fogs. As a result, white wines from this area tend to be dry, slightly acidic, with hints of citrus and herbs, plus a hint of saline that makes them a natural match to the oysters and mussels cultivated in the nearby Étang de Thau lagoon.
Domaine Romain Julbe is a new addition into the independent Pinet winemakers community, with white wines that completely reflect the soul of owner and winemaker Romain Julbe. After a successful career working and teaching with the Compagnons du Devoir across Europe, Romain has now returned home to his family vineyards to craft wines that have a unique character and elegance. As we say in France - the soil of the vines is forever in his blood.
Romain's ongoing commitment to quality and authenticity shines through with an exclusive range of French white wines that showcase the distinctive characteristics of Piquepoul Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Domaine Romain Julbe wines offer crisp, refreshing flavors that are both sophisticated and approachable; that match easily with a wide range of foods, or simply as a glass of wine to enjoy on its own.
Heritage of our White Wines made in Pinet
Owner, Grower, Winemaker - Romain Julbe
My early career years were as a specialist timber joiner, creating exquisite bespoke furniture and restoring ancient wooden pieces. It was work I loved and was able to teach to others, but my childhood amongst the grapevines was always in my heart. Happily many of my joinery skills apply equally to my new career as an artisan vigneron which also needs incredibly high levels of patience, precision, and respect to keep the integrity and beauty of the natural product.
I was born and bred in the winegrowing village of Pinet within the Languedoc region of France; and I drew upon generations of family knowledge and traditions for winemaking with my first release of Domaine Romain Julbe wines in 2024.
I've since been experimenting with sustainably ecological growing processes and innovative production methods to make quality white wines that are low in sulphites and anti-oxidants, whilst still resonating with authenticity and character. Each batch of wines is thoughtfully created with care whilst respecting the essence of my family heritage for winemaking in this region.
My second release of exclusive wines from our 2025 harvest are already receiving excellent reviews from lovers of white wines from our region.
I like to think that wherever you are in the world, whether you're gathering for a party with family and friends, or savoring quiet moments alone; every sip of our exclusive Domaine Romain Julbe wines will transport you to sun-kissed coastal days in the south of France.
A votre santé
Great value, quality white wines from the south of France
What is Picpoul de Pinet wine and what makes it unique?
AOC Picpoul de Pinet is a variety of white wines made within the Languedoc region in the south of France. These wines are made within rigid Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) parameters, using exclusively Piquepoul Blanc grapes grown in the communes of Pinet, Mèze, Florensac, Castelnau-de-Guers, Montagnac and Pomérols. The wines are typically green-gold in color, full-bodied, and show lemony citrus flavours. There are many choices of excellent wines of this type made by local and international winemaking enterprises that I am happy to recommend and they are easily identified by the AOP labelling and the Languedoc Cross stamped on their green bottles.
The wines of Domaine Romain Julbe, whilst crafted with Picquepoul grapes from the region, are grown and produced very differently to those under the AOC Picpoul du Pinet regulations. Subsequently Domaine Romain Julbe wines are designated as "Wines of France" rather than AOC Picpoul de Pinet.
This Picquepoul grape is also used optionally as one of the 13 approved varieties within AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. The grape is additionally grown to make wines in Spain's Catalonia plus California, Arizona, Washington State, Texas and Australia.
What are the benefits of Piquepoul grapes in winemaking?
Piquepoul Blanc grapes are valued for their bright acidity and refreshing character. This varietal is often noted for its crisp citrus notes and subtle mineral undertones, without being overly fruity - making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking something distinctive that pairs beautifully with all seafood, white meats, creamy cheeses, salads, vegetables, and desserts.
Whilst the formal name for this grape variety is Piquepoul, the AOC wines made from them are called Picpoul de Pinet.
There are stories that the Picpoul name originated because chickens (in French "poules") used to pick and eat fallen grapes: hence “pic-poul”. Another name origin story is that the refreshing acidity of this variety of grapes translated from "lip stinger" in English over to "Picquepoul" in French. Yet another version is that Pic is actually derived from a mountain 75km away called Pic Saint Loup.
Whilst the accuracy of these stories is dubious, we know for sure that wines made from this ancient grape are enjoying popularity around the world.
How can I buy from Domaine Romain Julbe of Pinet?
As a small, independent winemaker I am creating only 4,000 bottles per year, selecting only the very best grapes from my vineyards. Unfortunately I don't yet have international shipping options, but you're welcome to buy directly from me in a visit to the village of Pinet, France, 34850.
My winery operation is small, and rustic. You won't be visiting a grand chateau nor an art filled tasting room, I don't have collectable monogrammed tasting glasses, and there aren't teams of uniformed staff. My simple world contains only the treasured vines, antiquated but well maintained machines and tools, an old battered truck and tractor, the support of close friends and family, and carefully crafted wines that I am immensely proud of.
How to contact Domaine Romain Julbe Wines?
If you have questions, feel free to reach out via my contact page, and I will be happy to help you.
Be mindful please - as an independent grower and winemaker there are many times when I am working long days and nights in nurturing and harvesting our grapes so there may be a day or two delay in my response.