Who makes it
Jean Orliac came to viticulture as a winegrower's grandson, an agronomist, and a viticultural economics researcher at the CNRS in Montpellier. He later dedicated himself to viticulture. Domaine de l'Hortus frames its work around expressing the singularity and character of each terroir across its range.
Where it grows
The domaine's vineyards sit on the slopes of Pic Saint Loup, where grape planting follows exposure and position. Syrah grows on humid northern slopes, Mourvèdre on south facing hillsides beneath the Hortus cliffs, and Grenache in lower positions. Northern humidity suits Syrah, while the south facing hillsides give Mourvèdre a sunnier setting.
What they make
Grande Cuvée Rouge is the named red cuvée in the range. It is aged for 12 months in used oak casks in 225 and 400 litre formats. Used oak permits oxygen exchange and contributes seasoned wood notes, with less direct oak flavour than new oak.
Grande Cuvée Rouge is deep purple, with garrigue herbs and ripe black cherry on the nose. Cocoa and warm spices layer over the fruit. Fine grained tannins and lifted acidity carry the palate.