# Domaine de l'Hortus Grande Cuvée Rouge (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine de l'Hortus
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €33
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, raspberry, black pepper, red plum, black plum, cedar, chocolate, vanilla, cloves, forest floor, tobacco, earth, leather

## About this wine

Domaine de l'Hortus Grande Cuvée Rouge 2022 hails from the Pic Saint-Loup appellation in Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The estate, established by Jean Orliac, is known for its dramatic setting at the foot of the Pic Saint-Loup and Montagne de l'Hortus cliffs, which create a distinctive microclimate. The Grande Cuvée is a flagship wine, representing the estate's commitment to expressing its unique terroir. The 2022 vintage experienced warm weather, with soils mitigating the heat and a pre-harvest storm adding moisture to the berries, requiring diligent vineyard management. The Orliac family continues to uphold a philosophy of sustainable viticulture and balance in their winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Estate founded by a rock climber and agricultural engineer.
- Vineyards are situated on steep, mid-slope limestone terraces.
- Recognized as an 'Exceptional Domaine' by Robert Parker.
- Wine is labeled as vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and fine-grained tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef. Its inherent freshness and subtle herbal notes can cut through richer dishes and echo savory elements in the food.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Domaine de l'Hortus Grande Cuvée Rouge 2022 begins with destemming and crushing the grapes. Fermentation occurs in vats, where gentle extraction and extended maceration techniques are employed to refine the tannins and build structure. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes 12 months of aging in a combination of new, one-year-old, and two-year-old oak casks (225 and 400-liter). The estate utilizes sustainable viticulture practices in its vineyards.