Focus on the Pic Saint Loup appellation

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.

So, why do its wines fascinate enthusiasts so much? What are the terroirs and grape varieties of this appellation ? What to expect in tasting ? Through this article, we will explore all these questions.

Happy reading!

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, at its fall, it was the Monks who helped to partially save the decline of the Languedoc vineyard, and this continued until the Middle Ages.

Finally, it was not really until the 19th century that the monoculture of the vine developed significantly in the Pic Saint Loup area. It was also during this period that wines began to be exported to the rest of the region, then throughout France and abroad.

The recent history of Pic Saint Loup therefore begins in 1931 with the creation of the Pic Saint Loup wine syndicate, which at that time included only 6 municipalities. Then, in 1955, the wine area 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 then added to the production area.The story continues in 1960, when 13 VDQS from the region were grouped 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 officially became 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 municipalities.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 grape maturation : between richness and freshness.

Moreover, due to their proximity to Pic Saint Loup, the vines here experience high precipitation for the region (1000 mm annually 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 terroirs, also composed of dolomites and marls. This type of soil promotes water retention, thus allowing the vine to avoid water stress and ideally nourish its grapes.

You will have understood, therefore, that the climatic and terrestrial particularities of the region contribute to the typicity of the wines of Pic Saint Loup. These indeed directly shape their aromatic expression, and the region therefore has many natural advantages to produce 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 like 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 barrel, cask, etc.), woody and vanilla notes 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 from Pic Saint Loup are generally fresh, indulgent and marked by notes of red fruits.

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Conclusion

As you will have understood, the Pic Saint Loup wine appellation boasts magnificent assets , and that is precisely why its wines often hold a special place in the hearts of red wine enthusiasts .

Between limestone terroirs , climates oscillatingbetween northern freshness and Mediterranean warmth as well as its very complementary triptych of Syrah-Grenache-Mourvèdre grape varieties , Pic Saint Loup is a fabulous playground for producing wines of remarkable quality.

All you have to do is set out to discover it ! For this, and if you need advice, do not hesitate to call on La Cave Éclairée!