Located within the Languedoc-Roussillon, the Pic Saint Loup appellation is one of the most renowned in its region and in France. However, despite its origins dating back to the beginning of our era, its establishment as an independent entity is very recent.
But then, why do its wines fascinate enthusiasts so much? What are the terroirs and grape varieties of this appellation ? What can be expected during a tasting ? Through this article, we will explore all these questions.
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History and Creation of the AOC Pic Saint Loup
Although introduced in France before our era by the Phocaeans, the vine and its cultivation first developed in the Languedoc region thanks to the Roman Empire. Then, after its fall, it was the Monks who helped partially save the decline of the Languedoc vineyard, up until the Middle Ages.
Finally, it was not really until the 19th century that the monoculture of the vine significantly developed in the Pic Saint Loup area. It was also during this period that the wines began to be exported to the rest of the region, then throughout France and abroad.
The recent history of Pic Saint Loup thus begins in 1931 with the creation of the Pic Saint Loup wine syndicate, which at the time included only 6 municipalities. Then, in 1955, the wine region was recognized as VDQS (Vin de Qualité Supérieure), the predecessor of our current AOC or AOP system. During this year and the following one, 7 additional municipalities were added to the production area. The history continues in 1960, when 13 VDQS from the region were merged to form just one: les Coteaux-du-Languedoc.
In 1994, Pic Saint Loup then became a geographical designation within the Coteaux-du-Languedoc, consequently having its own specifications for its area.Finally, Pic Saint Loup will officially become an independent AOC in 2017, 16 years after making the official request!
While its history is distant, rich, and evolving, Pic Saint Loup has only been a full-fledged AOC for a very short time !
Climate and Terroirs of the AOC Pic-Saint-Loup
Today, the appellation Pic Saint Loup covers 1 300 hectares spread over 17 communes. These are located about 15km north of Montpellier and 30km from the Mediterranean coast, thus benefiting from multiple climatological influences.
Indeed, the continental coolness from the North blends here with the Mediterranean warmth from the South.Summers are therefore hot and dry, springs are cool, while autumn and winter are cold and rainy.
This mix of climates gives the vineyard strong temperature variations between day and night, allowing optimal ripening of the grapes : between richness and freshness.
Moreover, due to their proximity to Pic Saint Loup, the vines here experience high rainfall for the region (1000 mm per year on average compared to sometimes half that just a few kilometers away). Its terroir is therefore the most watered in the entire Languedoc region ! Finally, the vines here are relatively protected from the winds, although Mistral and Tramontane can sometimes be felt.
From a soil perspective, Pic Saint Loup has particularly limestone-rich terroirs, also composed of dolomites and marls. This type of soil promotes water retention, allowing the vine to avoid water stress and ideally nourish its grapes.
As you can understand, the climatic and terrestrial particularities of the region contribute to the typicity of Pic Saint Loup wines. These factors directly shape their aromatic expression, and the region therefore possesses numerous natural advantages for producing exceptional wines.
The wines of the AOC Pic-Saint-Loup
In Pic Saint Loup, nearly 90% of the production is dedicated to red wines, with the rest being vinified as rosé. The grape varieties Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre are the three main components here and must represent at least 90% of the grape composition in a red wine. The aromatic allure of Syrah blends with the softness of Grenache and the structure and power of Mourvèdre in a very complementary blend.
Other varieties such as Cinsault, Carignan, or Counoise can also be used but must not exceed 10% of the total.
But then, what to expect in tasting ? Although very different profiles may present themselves depending on the blend chosen by the winemaker, the quality of the vines, or their altitude and exposure, the appellation is known for producing red wines with superb aromatic balances oscillating between power and freshness.
Consequently, notes of red and black fruits are regularly present (blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, strawberry, raspberry), accompanied by aromas of garrigue (thyme, rosemary, menthol, bay leaf) - often found around the vines - as well as a peppery touch. Depending on the aging chosen by the winemaker (stainless steel tank, large cask, barrel, etc.), notes of wood and vanilla may also appear. Some winemakers are turning towards a "traditional" style, offering wines that are rather tannic and focused on power. Others will be interested in the purity of the fruit as well as the pursuit of elegance. Finally, the rosé wines of Pic Saint Loup are generally fresh, indulgent, and marked by notes of red fruits. What dishes pair with a Pic-Saint-Loup? Thanks to the diversity of styles offered by the appellation, there are numerous culinary pairings with local red or rosé wines.
