Pic-Saint-Loup is a sometimes spectacularly beautiful region some 20 kilometres from Montpellier and is one of the top districts within the Coteaux du Languedoc. There are several very interesting wine producers here and the district has applied to get its own AOC Pic Saint Loup (it now has AOC Coteaux du Languedoc-Pic Saint Loup). “And we really want this recognition” says Jean-Pierre Rambier who owns the Domaine Haut-Lirou together with his son.
They have 65 hectares planted 70% with Syrah and with Grenache and Mourvèdre. Their white Vin de Pays du Val de Mont Ferrand is made from half Grenache Blanc and half Sauvignon Blanc and has a nice, refreshing acidity and flowery aromas. Domaine Haut-Lirou 2003 (60% Syrah and 40% Grenache) is not aged in oak and has attractive aromas of ripe, almost dried fruit.
Their prestige cuvée, Esprit 2003, is made from a selection of the best grapes from old vines and is spicy and complex and will benefit from a few years bottle age.
