Domaine de l’Hortus Jean Orliac

Domaine de L'Hortus is located some 20 km north of Montpellier. It produces outstanding Languedoc wines in the Pic Saint Loup appellation. The estate is widely recognized for the finesse of its wines, regularly praised by critics for their balance and ageing potential.

DOMAINE DE L HORTUS AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION

L'Hortus was created by Jean Orliac in the late 70s. Domaine de L'Hortus lies between Pic Saint Loup and L'Hortus (from which it takes its name) at the foot of the cliffs. Its location has a major influence on the climate, but also on its terroir. The terroir is composed of the surrounding cliff fragments (scree and white clay derived from limestone). The Domaine's wines stand out for their freshness and aromatic complexity, thanks to the cool, damp terroir. Spread over 80 hectares, the reds are planted on the slopes: Syrah on the northern slopes of the Pic Saint-Loup for the humidity, Mourvèdre facing south under the cliffs of the Hortus, and Grenache.

JEAN ORLIAC

Jean Orliac discovered the Hortus and Pic Saint Loup cliffs in the 1970s. After extensive clearing and planting, he made his first wine for the 1990 vintage. At the time, Jean Orliac, a winegrower's grandson, agronomist and viticultural economics researcher at the CNRS in Montpellier, quickly realized the enormous potential of this terroir. In love with his terroir, Jean Orliac shares his passion with his wife and children. Since the 2000s, a new generation has been working at the Orliac vineyard. Today, the Domaine de L'Hortus continues with François, Yves and Martin Orliac.

PIC SAINT LOUP HORTUS

The Pic Saint Loup appellation is fairly recent, having been created in 2016. It has become the star appellation of Languedoc wines. Located some 30 km from Montpellier, the 1,000-hectare appellation area covers 17 communes. The king grape variety is Syrah. The Pic Saint Loup vineyard is renowned for the finesse and freshness of its reds (90% of production). The dominant terroir is limestone, and the appellation benefits from a climate all its own, thanks to Pic Saint Loup and the Causse de l Hortus.

In short, this appellation is a nugget!  L'hortus produces one of the finest cuvées in this appellation: Domaine l Hortus Grande cuvée.