Domaine de l’Hortus – Pioneer of Pic Saint-Loup

Between the Hortus Cliff & Pic Saint-Loup

Nestled in a magnificent natural amphitheater, the Domaine de l’Hortus was founded in the 1970s by Jean Orliac, a mountaineer turned visionary winemaker. In this valley nestled between the Pic Saint-Loup and the Hortus cliff, he created one of the most emblematic estates of Languedoc. Today, his children Martin, François, Marie, and Yves continue the family dynamic.

A cool terroir on hard limestone

The vineyard, about 60 hectares, is planted on terraces on the mountainside on Jurassic limestones, between 150 and 300 m in altitude. The northeast exposure and strong thermal amplitudes give the wines a rare balance between ripeness and freshness, especially for Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache. The agriculture is in organic conversion.

Precision in the cellar & thoughtful aging

The grapes are hand-harvested, vinified plot by plot with gentle extraction management. The aging varies according to the cuvées, in barrels, demi-muids, or concrete vats, with moderate use of new wood to preserve the fruit and minerality.

Style: straightness, southern freshness, depth

The wines of Domaine de l’Hortus combine Mediterranean richness with remarkable tension. The reds are ample, expressive, and precise; the whites reveal beautiful saline balances. The estate is an essential reference of the Terrasses du Larzac and the IGP Val de Montferrand.

Cuvées & signatures

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  Grande Cuvée red (Terrasses du Larzac): Syrah/Mourvèdre/Grenache, density, mentholated freshness, great aging potential.

  
  
  
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  Grande Cuvée white: Chardonnay/Roussanne, ample, saline, elegant.

  
  
  
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  Loup dans la Bergerie: red or rosé for pleasure, accessible and fruity.

  
  
  
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  Cuvée Classique: balance and drinkability, signature of the estate.