PIC SAINT LOUP: A YOUNG AOC
The Pic Saint Loup appellation was not recognized as an AOC until quite some time ago. Until 2017, it was attached to the Côteaux du Languedoc, but for the time being, the appellation only applies to red and rosé wines. The appellation's winemakers are working to extend the appellation to white wines soon!
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Today, the appellation gives pride of place to Syrah (a minimum of 50% is required in blends), a noble grape variety that thrives particularly well in our terroir, where the nights are cooler than in the rest of Languedoc. It is therefore one of the three main grape varieties, along with Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre. Complementary grape varieties include Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise and Morrastel. As a reminder, Pic St Loup wines must be blends.
AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR
Leaning against the foothills of the Cévennes, the vineyards sink their roots into a palette of extremely varied soils: hard limestone, soft limestone, conglomerates, dolomites, scree, fluvial limestone and marl. A geological diversity that guarantees both drainage and retention, playing a vital role in the irregular rainfall experienced by the Pic Saint Loup terroir. Particularly well-filtered and sufficiently deep, these soils ensure a regular supply of water, which the vines need whatever the season, avoiding any periods of stress.
"The Pic Saint Loup terroir is characterized by its unique climate, which persists regardless of the vintage.
Descending from the Cévennes foothills to the north, the influence of the continental climate mingles with that of the Mediterranean climate carried by the proximity of the coast to the south. Hot, dry summers, preceded by cool springs, alternate with cold, rainy winters and autumns. As the "sentinel of the Cévennes", the Pic Saint Loup influences the rainfall curve, which averages 1000 millimetres, ensuring that the soil has the water it needs, and compensating for the rainfall deficit that the vines may experience in summer. The Pic Saint Loup terroir receives the most rainfall in Languedoc.
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The Pic Saint-Loup PDO area covers 17 communes, set against the foothills of the Cevennes in the Garrigues area north of Montpellier, 30 km from the Mediterranean coast.
THE APPELLATION IN A FEW DATES
1955
The Pic Saint Loup vineyards (9 communes) are now classified as VDQS: Vins de Qualité Supérieure (Superior Quality Wines).
1985
The Côteaux du Languedoc appellation becomes an AOC, including the Pic Saint Loup terroir.
2011
The geographical area of the Pic Saint Loup vineyard has been definitively delimited to 17 communes.
2016
The INAO validates the Pic Saint Loup appellation as a PDO, 2017 will be the first vintage sold under the PDO Pic St Loup appellation.