IGP Haute Vallée de l’Orb
exceptional terroir
The lofty IGP…
With its varied geology, rugged terrain and fairly cool, distinctive climate, this IGP, whose boundaries sit within the Languedoc hinterland, lacks neither beauty, character nor originality.
foundation
August 1
2009
territory
32
villages
production
3 576 hL
producers
15 independent wineries,
2 co-operatives and
7 wine merchants.
colours
red
42%
rosé
29%
white
29%
Main grape varieties
authorized for the reds
Cabernet Sauvignon
Carignan
Mourvedre
Grenache
Marselan
Main grape varieties
authorized for the rosés
Cinsault
Grenache
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Main grape varieties
authorized for the whites
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Rolle
Marsanne
terroir
Referring to the geology in the Upper Orb Valley as diverse is no overstatement! Without going into granular detail, suffice it to say that seven soil landscape units have been identified: plateaux on volcanic formations; hills on metamorphic substratum; slopes on sandstone and marl; ‘ruffes’ or red sedimentary rock in the Lodève area; limestone plateaux and hills; recent colluvium plains; and acidic sandstone.
As for the climate, it is not as hot as in other Languedoc vineyards and is defined, among other factors, by its cool nights during the ripening season, which is highly conducive to vine growing. The wines span all three colours and reveal remarkable balance, the genuine hallmark of the IGP.
History
Vines emerged in the region during Antiquity. Throughout the course of history, two phenomena promoted its development – the contribution of the monks from the abbeys of Joncels and Villemagne in the Middle Ages, then the surge in mining which saw countless miners farm small plots of vines in the 19th century. Over the past few decades, the local wine industry has transitioned from a volume-driven rationale to a major ambition to focus on quality.