Pic Saint-Loup French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Pic Saint-Loup is one of Languedoc's most acclaimed appellations, named after the striking limestone peak that dominates the landscape, and known for fresh, elegant, Syrah-led red wines.
More info about Pic Saint-Loup
Geographic position
Southern France, in the Hérault and Gard departments, about 20 km north of Montpellier, around the Pic Saint-Loup and the Hortus cliffs, covering 17 villages in the Cévennes foothills.
Origin & history
Legend tells of three brothers, Loup, Clair and Guiral, who fell in love with the same woman and became hermits on three peaks after her death; the highest peak took Loup's name. Vines have been grown since Roman times. Pic Saint-Loup was a named terroir of the Coteaux du Languedoc and became a separate AOC in 2017.
Wines & grape varieties
Mainly red, built on Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, plus rosé. Expect blackberry, violet, garrigue, black olive and silky tannins.
Climate & soil
The coolest and wettest part of Languedoc, with Mediterranean sun and Cévennes influence and big day-night swings. Limestone, marl and scree.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah