Pic Saint-Loup Press Pack

Pic Saint-Loup
PRESS PACK
PIC SAINT-LOUP
AOC LANGUEDOC
Syndicat des vignerons du Pic Saint-Loup
Route de Pompignan - 34270 Valflaunès
Tél. 33(0)4 67 55 97 47 - Fax 33(0)4 67 56 52 38
Port. 33(0)6 45 95 08 51 - [email protected]
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Contacts Presse :
Clair de Lune - Marie Gaudel - Amandine Rostaing
3 grande rue des Feuillants - 69001 Lyon
Tél. 33(0)4 72 07 31 90 - Fax 33(0)4 72 07 31 91
[email protected] - [email protected]
www.clairdelune.fr
Pic Saint-Loup
Environment and area
Nestling in the foothills of the Cévennes some 20 kilometres to the north of
Montpellier in the Hérault, the Pic Saint Loup vineyards are among Languedoc's
most northerly. Part of the AOC Languedoc family, the area, covering thirteen
communes and with an annual production of 25,000 hectolitres, is about to
become an AOC in its own right. It was at the end of 2001 that the producers
applied to the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality) for the name AOC
Pic Saint-Loup to be recognized officially. The formalities being completed, the
request should be confirmed at the end of 2010.*. (*See interview on page 3.)
Set between the Mediterranean and the Cévennes
Set between the Mediterranean and the Cévennes, in the south
the Pic Saint-Loup area starts near the outskirts of Montpellier, and
encircles the Pic Saint-Loup (658 metres) and the Hortus
slopes(512 metres). To the north it stretches to the Gard
and Hérault boundary.
Key figures
- Area under production :
1 500 hectares
- Production area :
13 communes
(Les Matelles, Saint-Gély-du- Fesc,
Le Triadou, Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles,
Cazevieille, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers,
Valflaunès, Corconne, Sauteyrargues, Lauret,
Claret, Fontanès, Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues).
- Number of producers :
53, including 3 caves coopérative.
Production
- Annual production : 25 000 hectolitres
- Average yields : between 40 et 45 hl/ha
- Colours produced : red and rosé
Sales
- Export : 48.7 %
- Direct from property : 20.1 %
- Professionals France (off-licences etc.) : 31.2 %
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
MONTPELLIER
Pic Saint-Loup
Making wine has been a tradition
since the Romans
The history of the vine in the small Pic Saint-Loup region reflects that of all the
great French vineyards. Vine cultivation started largely with the Roman
occupation around 120 BCE. Since then it has constantly expanded.
The Romans cultivated vines
Amphora found in archaeological digs in the area show that wine cultivation probably took off
under the Romans. Roman colonizers in the Languedoc followed their homeland's practice of
creating latifundia or huge agricultural estates covering thousands of hectares. Great wine lovers,
they guaranteed supply by producing it themselves. But the fall of the Roman Empire meant that
the Languedocian vineyards declined too.
The influence of the Church
The monasteries entered the field in the V century leading to the resurgence of vineyards,
including the Pic Saint-Loup area, a fact illustrated in the study of place names. The commune of
Claret, founded in the XI century was certainly named after a wine which was in those days
simply known as "claret". As for Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, the name reminds one of the habits worn
by monks – but also the vignerons… The first written documents relating to the continued
presence of wines in the Pic Saint-Loup area date from XIII century even though then it was only
one form of local agriculture.
Modern times
From the XIX century onwards, as the vines destroyed by phylloxera were replaced and the
cooperative movement took off, the region moved towards a grape monoculture. Pic Saint-Loup
wines were beginning to be drunk outside the area, first in Montpellier, then further afield they
were shipped from the port of Sète. Around 1900 Joseph Manissier was the first wine producer to
sell his own wines and those of many of his friends, under the name "Pic Saint-Loup". He sold to
some of the best known restaurants in Paris, most specially the Marguerit, a dining haunt of
diplomats and ambassadors. Obviously the wines deserved to be exported.
1931 : birth of the wine producers' Syndicat
Founded in 1931, the economic crisis of the '30s put it into limbo. However it came back to life
after the Second World War and in 1946 the Pic Saint-Loup area achieved VDQS (Vin délimité de
qualité supérieure) status, although it was not until 1950 that the Ministry gave its support and the
18 May 1955 decree gave the final seal of approval to the VDQS category.
Since then, the Syndicat's work has never ceased, presided over by Jean-Marc Ravaille, wine
producer at the Ermitage du Pic Saint-Loup. That the work was worthwhile is proven by the fact
that the AOC Pic-Saint Loup's request for formal recognition is about to reach fruition. (see
interview on page 3).
« It's probable that those living here 2800 – 2400 years BCE already drank Pic
Saint-Loup… After all, wild vines – lambrusques – were growing way back then. »
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
The road to recognition
Deep down, Pic Saint-Loup producers have always wanted to create their own
identity and name, never hesitating to self impose true discipline to lift themselves
above the mass of wines.
Proof : today the area is known for producing some of the best quality wines in
the region. Moving up from AOC Languedoc status, its reputation is about to be
confirmed as it moves to become AOC Pic Saint-Loup, the top level in the AOC
hierarchical structure – a "must" in terms of quality. Jean-Marc Ravaille, President
of the Syndicat des vignerons du Pic Saint-Loup explains.
INTERVIEW - May 2009
Why is the Pic Saint-Loup perceived as an AOC when officially it is not yet the case ?
J.-M. Ravaille – It comes down to human beings. Since 1955 when they achieved VDQS status, Pic
Saint-Loup producers have never ceased to be alive to the need to produce quality wines and
have been prepared to work hard to achieve this end, agreeing to abide by stricter production
regulations than laid down in the 1985 decree*. In addition, to achieve AOC status three factors
need to be brought into play : the terroir, mens' work and the products. The Pic Saint-Loup has
succeeded.
You have made an official request to the INAO for Pic Saint-Loup to be awarded AOC status. How
are matters progressing ?
J.-M. Ravaille – The INAO's national committee considered our file last May 29, and depending on
the result, there will be a public enquiry lasting two months. We should, therefore, move to AOC
status for the harvests of 2010 or 2011.
What does this move to AOC status mean ?
J.-M. Ravaille – – It's a tribute to and recognition of all the work put in by all my predecessors and
by generations of wine producers. Most especially, AOC status is synonymous with top quality and
will help us sell our area even further.
* Decree of 24 December 1985 defining the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Coteaux du
Languedoc and Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup.
1955 : Official recognition of the Pic Saint-Loup in the
VDQS zone, then consisting of nine communes
(Claret, Cazevieille, Corconne, Fontanès, Lauret,
Saint-Jean-de-Cuculles, Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers,
Sauteyrargues et Valflaunès).
1966 : Two successive decrees increasing the size of
the Pic Saint-Loup zone. On 16 May the communes
of Sainte-Croix-de-Quintillargues and Saint-Gély-duFesc were broughtin, and on 13 November Matelles
and Triadou joined the Pic Saint-Loup zone bringing
the total to thirteen communes.
1985 : 24 Decembre 1985 decree defining
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Coteaux du
Languedoc and Coteaux du Languedoc Pic SaintLoup.
1994 : recognition of the Pic Saint-Loup
denomination
2001 : official request for AOC Pic Saint-Loup status
to the INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la
Qualité.
2009 : Consideration by the national committee of
the INAO.
« With wines that epitomize the rebirth of Languedocien vineyards, the Pic SaintLoup could become a type of premier cru. » Le Point, n° 1757, 2007.
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
A homogenous terroir
Here, the words "unique climate" are common, and used whatever the year. But
weather apart, the Pic Saint-Loup areacis remarkbly homogenous.
Here's why.
Environment
The Pic Saint-Loup area is on the lower Cevennes foothills, in the garrigue land north of
Montpellier. Although the Pic Saint-Loup and Hortus mountains rise to 658 metres and 512 metres
respectively, most vines are grown at altitudes of around 150 metres. The vegetation, well suited
to summer droughts, is made up of various typical Mediterranean plants : Holm and Kermes oak,
Aleppo pine, arbutus, juniper as well as thyme, laurel, cade, rosemary, cistus, all of which can be
found in the Pic Saint Loup wines’ palette of aromas.
Climate
Pic Saint-Loup's climate differs from that of Montpellier largely because of its relatively high
average altitude (150 metres) and its distance from the sea (approx 30 kms). As a result, the
climate is more continental with hot, dry summers and cooler springs. Rainfall, even more than
temperature, accentuates this continental character. With an average of 900 mm, the winter rain
restores the underground water stocks thus compensating for dry summers. In addition, strong
night/day temperature variations mean the grapes quality is enhanced by ripening in excellent
conditions. These unique climatic conditions all contribute to the special character of Pic SaintLoup wines.
Soil types
Nearly all geological eras from the secondary, tertiary to quaternary are to be found in the Pic
Saint-Loup area, ranging from the Trias (-190 million years) to current alluvial deposits. The soils vary
incredibly : hard and soft limestone, conglomerates, dolomites, river or cryoclastic limestone
scree, marl. The soil's capacity to drain and retain water is vital in view of the irregular rainfall of
the area. In a few hours rain downpours are drained, whilst the geological layers are deep
enough to conserve water for the vines' roots if needed in the summer.
« 'Geographically, the Pic Saint-Loup area covers thirteen communes. Twelve are
situated in the Hérault department, whilst the village of Corconne is just in the
Gard. »
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
From vines to wine
For thirty years, selecting the best grape varieties to ensure the best quality has
been a priority. Since 1990 replanting has led to three dominant varieties : Syrah,
Grenache and Mourvèdre.
Grapes
To have the right to the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation together with the Pic Saint-Loup
denomination, wines must be made exclusively from the following.
RED WINES
• Cépages principaux : syrah noire, grenache noir, mourvèdre noir. Un assemblage d’au moins
deux cépages principaux est obligatoire.
• Cépages complémentaires : cinsault noir, carignan noir, ces deux cépages devant représenter
au maximum 10 % de la surface revendiquée dans l’appellation.
VINS ROSÉS *
• Main varieties : black Syrah, black Grenache, black Mourvèdre. The blend must include at least
two of these principle grapes.
• Complementary varieties : black Cinsault*, which should make up a maximum of 30 % from the
area within the appellation.
* Historically, Cinsault was the main grape used to produce rosé wines. But, in that the area planted with
them diminished, and in view of the 1985 decree, the appellation's principle grape varieties are now used in
rosé production.
Vinification and maturing
Two types of vinification are used in red wine production : traditional (in 90 % of cases) and
carbonic maceration (10 %). Grapes for rosés are either bled or subject to direct pressure.
Nowadays, most of the caves cooperative and half the independent producers use barrels for
maturing. The top wine usually matures for a year in barrels. Some are matured for over two years.
Grapes are selected parcel by parcel from the vine to the vats and barrels, and blends only
decided at the end of the period.
In a glass
Aromas of red wines can be predominantly of red fruit (blackberries and soft spice or, equally,
they may be more complex, influenced by the garrigue, with hints of leather and ripe fruit. These
typical aromas have become more dominant with the gradual falling off of Cinsault and
Carignan in the blends. Maturing in barrel has added to the complexity bringing in delightful hints
of toast, vanilla and honey. As for the rosés, they exude raspberry and strawberry. In the mouth
they are fruity and well balanced. Great potential.
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
From vines to wine
1985 Decree : some clarification
A quick look at the main points in the 24 December 1985 decree defining the
AOC Coteaux du Languedoc and the Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup.
• Alcohol levels and yield (article 5)
'To have the right to the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation followed by the name Pic SaintLoup, the wine must be produced from grapes picked when fully mature and be of a minimum
alcohol level over 11.5 %. Maximum yields giving the right to the Coteaux du Languedoc
appellation followed by the name Pic Saint-Loup are of 50 hl/ha.
• Minimum age of vines (article 6)
' The right to the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation followed by the name Pic Saint-Loup can
only be granted :
- for rosé wines, from young vines after their third year when planting was completed before 31
August ;
- for red wines, from young vines after their sixth year when planting was completed before 31
August. '
• Planting density (article 7)
' Minimum density is set at 4 000 plants per hectare for all new planting or replanting taking place
after 1990. To have the right to the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation followed by the name Pic
Saint-Loup the wines must come from hard pruned vines (Gobelet or Cordon de Royat), with a
maximum of eight spurs and a maximum of one bud per spur.'
' Syrah with its spicy aromas and colour, the sophisticated Mourvèdre and rounded Grenache
combine to produce wines which reflect their character and originality,'
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
Carnet d’adresses vignerons
Domaine de Lavabre
34270 CLARET
Tél. 04 67 59 02 25
Fax. 04 67 59 02 39
[email protected]
Domaine de Villeneuve
34270 CLARET
Tél. 04 67 59 08 66
Fax. 04 67 59 07 76
[email protected]
www.domaine-de-villeneuve.com
Mas Foulaquier
34270 CLARET
Tél. 04 67 59 96 94
Fax. 04 67 59 70 65
[email protected]
www.masfoulaquier.fr
Marie-Danièle Brubach
34270 CLARET
Tél. 04 67 86 66 47
[email protected]
La Gravette de Corconne
30260 CORCONNE
Tél. 04 66 77 47 72
Fax. 04 66 77 13 56
[email protected]
www.la-gravette.com
Domaine Zélige-Caravent
30260 CORCONNE
Tél. 04 66 77 10 98
Fax. 04 66 77 10 98
[email protected]
www.zelige-caravent.fr
Domaine Beauthorey
30260 CORCONNE
Tél. 04 66 77 13 11
Port. 06 21 74 44 86
[email protected]
www.beauthorey.com
Domaine Mirabel
30260 BROUZET LES QUISSAC
Tél. 04 66 77 48 88
Fax. 04 66 77 48 88
Port. 06 22 78 17 47
[email protected]
Domaine du Grès
34270 CLARET
Tél. 04 67 59 01 27
Fax. 04 67 59 01 27
Port. 06 81 04 89 81
Bergerie du Capucin
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 59 01 00
Fax. 04 99 62 56 16
Port. 06 87 83 11 84
[email protected]
www.bergerieducapucin.fr
Domaine de Mauzac
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 28 98
Fax. 04 67 55 61 33
[email protected]
Château de Valflaunès
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 76 30
[email protected]
www.chateaudevalflaunes.com
Château La Roque
34270 FONTANES
Tél. 04 67 55 34 47
Fax. 04 67 55 10 18
[email protected]
www.chateau-laroque.eu
Mas de Jon
34270 FONTANES
Tél. 04 67 86 91 78
Fax. 04 67 60 66 35
Port. 06 89 35 23 82
[email protected]
www.masdejon.com
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
Carnet d’adresses vignerons
Domaine les Grandes Costes
34270 VACQUIERES
Tél. 04 67 59 27 42
Fax. 04 67 59 27 42
[email protected]
www.grandes-costes.com
Domaine Les Vigneaux
34160 CAMPAGNE
Tél. 04 67 86 91 83
Fax. 04 67 86 95 74
[email protected]
Château l’Euzière
34270 FONTANES
Tél. 04 67 55 21 41
Fax. 04 67 56 38 04
[email protected]
www.chateauleuziere.fr
Château de Cazeneuve
34270 LAURET
Tél. 04 67 59 07 49
Fax. 04 67 59 06 91
[email protected]
www.cazeneuve.net
Domaine de l’Hortus
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 31 20
Fax. 04 67 55 38 03
[email protected]
www.vignobles-orliac.com
Mas Thélème
34270 LAURET
Tél. 04 67 59 53 97
[email protected]
www.mas-theleme.com
Clos Marie
34270 LAURET
Tél. 04 67 59 06 96
Fax. 04 67 59 08 56
[email protected]
Mas Bruguière
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 20 97
Fax. 04 67 55 20 97
[email protected]
mas-bruguiere.com
Domaine Zumbaum-Tomasi
34270 CLARET
Tél. 04 67 55 78 77
Fax. 04 67 02 82 84
[email protected]
www.zumbaum-tomasi.eu
Château Lascaux
34270 VACQUIERES
Tél. 04 67 59 00 08
Fax. 04 67 59 06 06
[email protected]
www.chateau-lascaux.com
Mas Peyrolle
34270 VACQUIERES
Port. 06 12 29 53 91
Fax. 04 67 55 99 50
[email protected]
www.maspeyrolle.com
Mas de l’Oncle
34270 LAURET
Port. 06 84 49 99 38
Fax. 04 67 06 95 22
[email protected]
www.mas-de-l’oncle.com
Château de Lascours
34270 SAUTEYRARGUES
Tél. 04 67 59 00 58
Fax. 04 67 59 00 58
[email protected]
Domaine Chazalon
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Tél. 04 67 55 37 60
Fax. 04 67 55 37 60
[email protected]
www.domaine-chazalon.com
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
Carnet d’adresses vignerons
Château des Mouchères
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Tél. 04 67 55 20 17
Fax. 04 67 55 20 17
chateaudesmouchè[email protected]
Château Vallon
34270 CAZEVIELLE
Port. 06 73 89 14 31
Fax. 04 67 58 79 56
châ[email protected]
Domaine de la Vieille Guy Ratier
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Port. 06 86 46 44 25
Fax. 04 67 55 35 17
[email protected]
www.domainedelavieille.fr
Domaine de la Sigalière
30260 CARNAS
Tél. 04 66 35 50 64
Fax. 04 66 77 33 28
[email protected]
www.vins-sigaliere.com
Ermitage du Pic Saint Loup
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Tél. 04 67 54 24 68
Fax. 04 67 55 23 49
[email protected]
www.ermitagepic.com
Domaine de Viastres
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 36 81
Fax. 04 67 55 36 81
Domaine Devois du Claus
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Port. 06 75 37 19 58 ou 06 11 39 66 69
Fax. 04 67 55 06 86
Domaine de la Salade
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Tél. 04 67 55 20 11
[email protected]
Les Coteaux du Pic
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Tél. 04 67 55 81 22
Fax. 04 67 55 81 20
[email protected]
www.coteaux-du-pic.com
Clos des Augustins
34270 ST MATHIEU DE TREVIERS
Tél. 04 67 54 73 45
Fax. 04 67 54 52 77
[email protected]
www.closdesaugustins.com
Château de Lancyre
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 32 74
Fax. 04 67 55 23 84
[email protected]
www.chateaudelancyre.com
Château Valcyre Gaffinel
34270 VALFLAUNES
Port. 06 03 46 45 11
Fax.04 67 55 20 32
[email protected]
www.chateau-valcyre.fr
Mas Gourdou
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 30 45
Fax. 04 67 55 30 45
[email protected]
www.masgourdou.com
Domaine Pech Tort
34270 VALFLAUNES
Port. 06 18 92 65 08
[email protected]
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m
Pic Saint-Loup
Carnet d’adresses vignerons
Le Chemin des Rêves
34980 SAINT GELY DU FESC
Tél. 04 67 03 44 04
Fax. 04 67 10 09 84
[email protected]
www.chemin-des-reves.com
Château Valcyre Bénézech
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 28 99
Fax. 04 67 55 28 99
Port. 06 11 21 56 71
Mas de Fournel
34270 VALFLAUNES
Tél. 04 67 55 22 12
Fax. 04 67 55 70 43
Domaine Saint Daumary
34270 VALFLAUNES
Port. 06 09 23 81 76
Fax. 04 67 55 21 94
[email protected]
domainesaintdaumary.winealley.com
Domaine de Mortiès
34270 ST JEAN DE CUCULLES
Tél. 04 67 55 11 12
Fax. 04 67 55 10 06
[email protected]
www.morties.com
Domaine Haut-Lirou
34270 ST JEAN DE CUCULLES
Tél. 04 67 55 38 50
Fax. 04 67 55 38 49
[email protected]
Château Puech-Haut
34160 ST DREZERY
Tél. 04 67 86 93 70
Fax. 04 99 62 27 29
châ[email protected]
Les Vignerons du Pic
34820 ASSAS
Tél. 04 67 59 62 55
Fax. 04 67 59 56 39
[email protected]
Domaine de Cassagnole
34820 ASSAS
Tél. 04 67 59 63 28
Fax. 04 67 83 77 40
[email protected]
www.domainedecassagnole.com
Château Montel
34820 TEYRAN
Tél. 04 67 70 20 32
Fax. 04 67 70 92 03
[email protected]
www.chateau-montel.com
Domaine Desvabre
34980 MONTFERRIER SUR LEZ
Tél. 04 67 59 91 56
Fax. 04 67 59 91 56
[email protected]
w w w. p i c - s a i n t - l o u p . c o m