Bergerie de l’Hortus Pic Saint-Loup Rouge 2023

Bergerie de l’Hortus Pic Saint-Loup Rouge 2023

Geologically speaking, the land consists of hard and soft limestone formed in the depths of the seas during the Cretaceous period, then lifted during the Pyrenean and Alpine fold system to form alternating, 100 metre deep layers. The hard limestone forming the cliffs, the Hortus plateaux and the crest of Pic Saint-Loup, dominates the landscape. At their base, the soils are composed of scree formed during the last glacial period, while lower down, the gentle slopes expose softer, limestone outcrops.

The soils formed from this substrate dry relatively quickly during the summer. Aleppo pine trees clearly dominate the forests surrounding the vines, intermingled with green oak tree groves, viburnum tinus, rosemary, cade and native grass (Mediterranean false brome). The bedrock tends to vary from plot to plot, and the soil-type morphs from red soils overlying limestone fissures, where Syrah finds its home, to brown soils over pure marl, which is more suited to Grenache.

When it comes to vinifying our wines, we favor gentle extraction and cultivate the fruit in the pursuit of wines intending to be enjoyed within five years, so much less age-worthy than Domaine de l’Hortus Grande Cuvée red.

Region
France-Languedoc & Roussillon

Appellation
Pic Saint Loup

Varietal
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre

Farming
Sustainable farming

Vinification
Barrel Aged, Stainless Steel Vat Fermented & Aged

Soil Type
Chalky Limestone, Clay