Great Value from
The Languedoc

Domaine de L'Hortus kicks off our March promotion for the great value to be had in the Languedoc. Throughout the month, we are running a 15% discount on selected wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon & Provence regions that have growing potential, with subregional zones such as Pic St Loup and La Clape developing important reputations for the future.

In this offer we cover Pic St Loup where Jean Orliac of Domaine l'Hortus is one of the great innovators. As a student Orliac spent his holidays rock climbing, unable to resist the challenge of the imposing 638m crag of rock which gives its name to this wine region. While climbing Orliac saw another challenge, that of a fledgling wine region which could one day be a great appellation. He decided to combine his training as an agricultural engineer, his desire to work outdoors, and a family winemaking heritage in the creation of a great wine estate. The quality of their wines has brought attention to this once unheard of region. The domaine uses traditional varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Roussanne for their Côteaux du Languedoc wines, but has also successfully introduced varieties more associated with other regions such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Merlot, with these wines only qualifying for Vin de Pays status.

This is a great selection displaying the high quality available at respectable price points in the Coteaux du Languedoc, so make sure you stock up on a couple of cases whilst they are on promotion.

Featured Grower: Domaine de L'Hortus

WHITES

Bergerie de L'Hortus Classique Blanc 2009 @ £148.75 £126.43 for 12 bottles
An interesting blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier and Roussanne, this wine shows fresh aromatic characters of magoes and pineapple with an equally exotic and rich palate that is crisp and well rounded.

Grande Cuvee Blanc, VdP Val de Montferrand 2008 @ £121.18 £103.03 for 6 bottles
Jean Orliac has used 50% barrel fermented Chardonnay blended with Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc aged on the lees for 8 months to craft a wine full of flavour. Use of these grapes qualifies the wine for Vin de Pays status. The class of the wine contradicts this rank with aromas of grapefruit and spring flowers moving onto a richly textured palate of concentrated exotic fruits with a beautifully balance minerality.

REDS

Le Loup dans la Bergerie Rouge 2009 @ £115.20 £97.92 for 12 bottles
This wine is a great introduction to the Domaine, packed with soft, sweet, ripe fruits from the merlot and grenache with some spice addition from the Syrah grape.

Bergerie de L'Hortus Classique Rouge 2008 @ £148.75 £126.43 for 12 bottles
This blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache has a full and rich nose of spicy, peppery black forest fruits following onto a palate that is velvety smooth and deliciously moreish!

Clos du Prieur, Coteaux du Languedoc 2006 @ £222.62 £189.22 for 12 bottles
"Liqueur-like richness of black raspberry in the nose and on a sumptuously-textured palate is accented by rosemary, marjoram, and chalk dust. This displays more overt sweetness than the l'Hortus wines form Pic Saint-Loup, but less intrigue than the best of those. There is considerable tannin underlying the fruit here, and it will be interesting to see how this evolves over 4-5 years in bottle." 90 Points, Wine Advocate

Grande Cuvee Rouge, Pic St Loup 2008 @ £121.18 £103.03 for 6 bottles
Sumptuous flavours of red plum, cassis, berry and cherry. Finishes with notes of cardamom, pepper and dark chocolate. The red Grande Cuvee showcases Orliac's beloved Mourvedre grape with 40% Syrah and 10% Grenache in support.