Languedoc: Pic Saint Loup secures stand-alone appellation

eptember 7 was an historic day for Pic Saint Loup wine growers: the area was finally granted stand-alone appellation status by INAO, the national appellation board. The final stages of the process are publication of the ministerial order and the green light by the growers themselves at their AGM. The boundaries of the appellation area encompass 1,000 hectares and 17 villages and both red and rosé wines are entitled to the appellation. The area’s flagship is its red wines which account for 90% of volumes and are made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Until now, Pic Saint Loup was a sub-area of the broader Languedoc appellation. By securing its own appellation, it will be better able to promote the distinctive features of its terroir and the quality of its wines. But for the growers, appellation status is just a milestone, albeit major, in a much broader project. According to the appellation’s chair, Régis Valentin, “We are going to launch the second chapter of our history with two new projects: greater focus on our white wines so that they too can gain appellation status in the future; and work on our quality pyramid within the appellation so that maybe in ten to fifteen years’ time, we can launch a first growth”.

Source: Vitisphere. Photo: Pic Saint Loup growers’ organisation