Domaine de l'Horthus

Domaine de l'Horthus – Balance, freshness and elegance of Pic Saint-Loup

Domain name

Domaine de l'Horthus

Wine region

Pic Saint-Loup

Appellations and terroirs

Domaine de l'Horthus is nestled in the heart of the Pic Saint-Loup appellation in Languedoc, on an exceptional terroir shaped by the majestic landscape between Pic Saint-Loup and Montagne de l'Hortus. The soils are predominantly clay-limestone, resulting from the erosion of the surrounding cliffs. The vines flourish on well-exposed slopes, between 150 and 200 meters in altitude, imparting a natural freshness and remarkable aromatic complexity to all of the wines.

Iconic grape varieties

Reds: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
White wines: Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Muscat Petit Grain

Philosophy and History

It was in the 1970s that Jean Orliac, a former professor of agronomy and avid climber, discovered the viticultural potential of the slopes of Pic Saint-Loup. Captivated by the wild beauty of the area, he resolutely undertook the replanting of vines on over 50 hectares of abandoned scrubland and woodland. In 1990, the first vintage of Domaine de l'Horthus was produced. Today, his children – Marie, François, Yves, and Martin – continue the family legacy with the same passion and a deep respect for the terroir and local biodiversity.

Production specifics

The estate practices sustainable viticulture, intentionally limiting yields (between 25 and 35 hectoliters per hectare) to prioritize grape quality. The harvest is done by hand, with meticulous sorting in the vineyard. In the cellar, winemaking combines tradition with technical precision. The red wines undergo a long maceration of 25 to 30 days, then are aged for 18 months in oak barrels, imparting structure, finesse, and complexity. The white and rosé wines benefit from a slow fermentation (3 to 4 weeks), followed by eight months of aging on fine lees, enhancing their aromatic richness and balance.

Recognitions

Domaine de l'Horthus enjoys unanimous acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike. It is regularly praised in leading guides such as Bettane & Desseauve, La Revue du vin de France, and the Guide Hachette des Vins. The "Grande Cuvée" and "Bergerie" cuvées are distinguished by their elegance and consistent quality from vintage to vintage, making them reliable choices in contemporary Languedoc wines.

Domaine de l'Horthus embodies a refined vision of Pic Saint-Loup: deep, balanced, and expressive wines, born from meticulous work from vineyard to cellar. Both powerful and elegant, they accurately reflect the typicity of this high-altitude terroir.

Why choose a wine from Domaine de l'Horthus?

• A vineyard nestled between two emblematic hills of Languedoc
• A handcrafted and environmentally friendly production
• Expertly cultivated grape varieties for authentic and elegant wines
• A consistent level of quality recognized by specialist guides
• A balanced style, between Mediterranean power and mineral freshness

Discover the selection of wines from Domaine de l'Horthus and let yourself be seduced by their finesse, depth and exceptional typicity!