IGP Haute Vallée de l’Orb

The geographic area is naturally well-defined by the mountains that surround it: the Espinouse and the Caroux (1065 m above sea level) in the north; the Avants-Monts (753 m above sea level) in the south, the Monts de l’Orb and the Eastern Escandorgue in the west. This region joins with the extreme west of the Cévennes Mountains, extended by the Black Mountain. In a general way, the natural conditions of the Haute Vallée de l’Orb offer the possibility to guide the vines to have a sufficient ripeness and a good state of sanitation for the grapes.  The soil presents diversity in terms of both its chemical composition and texture. For the climate, the Haute Vallée de l’Orb defines itself by its reduced Mediterranean “mesoclimate” (the climate of a particular grape-growing site, smaller than geographic considerations of region, country, or even continent). Producers, attentive to the demands of new consumers, knew how to develop wines with a considerable aromatic expression. Compared to the wines produced in places further south at a lower altitude, the taste of these wines shows: a more substantial, aromatic strength and different dominant aromas—fruity and floral for white wines, fruity and spicy for red wines and rosés; a very present acidity that reinforces the freshness of the white wines and brings a touch of vivacity in the red wines and rosés.  There are actually a dozen wine-makers producing 5,000 hl of red wines, rosés, and white wines. Principally sold directly, the wines of the Haute Vallée de l’Orb occupy a privileged place in the economic development of the high-altitude administrative districts, notably through oenotourism, which leads more and more tourists each year to meet wine-growers in their tasting cellars and participate in wine festivals.

Grape varieties: Cabernet-Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Pinot, Sauvignon, Syrah.

 Average yield: 60-65 hl/ha

http://www.paysdherault.fr/Pays_dHerault/FR-7-IGP_Haute_Vallee_de_lOrb