Pic-Saint-Loup - AOC - Bergerie de l'Hortus Classique - 2022

Pairing: This wine pairs perfectly with grilled meats, charcuterie, Mediterranean dishes such as ratatouille, or even flavorful cheeses like Roquefort or goat cheese.

Vintage: 2022

Taste: The attack is bold and fruity, with a lovely freshness. On the palate, the wine is structured, offering fine and elegant tannins. The Syrah brings notes of violet and spice, while the Grenache adds roundness and smoothness. The length on the palate is remarkable, with a finish that reveals aromas of black fruits and a slight saline touch, characteristic of the terroir. This is a balanced, structured, and elegant wine. It shows great maturity, with a rich aromatic profile, offering beautiful notes of black fruits and olives, complemented by digestible tannins.

Tasting Temperature: 16-18°C

Alcohol Volume: 14%

The Estate and the Vineyard

The Domaine de l'Hortus has been managed by the Nadal family since its inception. Located in a naturally stunning environment, the estate's vineyards stretch across steep slopes between 200 and 400 meters in altitude. The name Hortus refers to an ancient Latin word meaning "garden," symbolizing the richness and biodiversity of the place.

The estate benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with a mountain influence that brings exceptional freshness and complexity to the wines. The vines are cultivated with great respect for the environment, and the estate practices sustainable viticulture, aiming to minimize the use of chemicals.

The Domaine de l'Hortus is primarily known for its red wines, which embody the essence of the Pic Saint-Loup appellation, but it also produces very high-quality whites and rosés.

The estate's red wines are typically made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, with sometimes a touch of Carignan. These wines are characterized by powerful aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) and spices, with notes of garrigue (rosemary, thyme), typical of the Mediterranean terroir. On the palate, they are often structured, with fine tannins and a lovely length. They pair well with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to aged cheeses.

The estate's white wines are mainly made from Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier grapes, which contribute to a beautiful aromatic complexity. These wines are often fresh and fruity, with notes of white flowers, exotic fruits, and a nice roundness on the palate. They are perfect to pair with seafood, shellfish, or goat cheeses.

The estate's rosé is a light and fresh wine, usually made from Grenache and Syrah. It offers aromas of fresh red fruits and a delightful liveliness on the palate, making it ideal for summer meals or as an aperitif.

The terroir of the Domaine de l'Hortus consists of clay-limestone and schist soils, allowing the vines to grow under ideal conditions. The steep slopes offer excellent sun exposure while benefiting from natural drainage. The Pic Saint-Loup mountain also shields the vines from cold winds, creating a microclimate that is favorable for grape ripening.

The estate follows a philosophy of sustainable viticulture, aiming to preserve biodiversity and soil quality. It practices reasoned farming, meaning minimal use of chemicals and careful management of the plots. This allows the production of wines that faithfully reflect the character of their terroir while respecting the environment.

The Domaine de l'Hortus prides itself on producing wines that express the typicity of the Pic Saint-Loup appellation while respecting nature and the terroir. The winemakers strive to achieve balanced, fine, and complex wines with great aging potential. The estate places great importance on quality at every stage of production, from the vineyard to the cellar.

In conclusion, the Domaine de l'Hortus is an essential figure in the Pic Saint-Loup appellation, offering elegant, rich, and complex wines. Whether for a powerful red, an aromatic white, or a refreshing rosé, the estate is an excellent choice for those seeking wines that represent the best of the Languedoc, combining tradition, quality, and respect for the environment.