Saint-Guilhem le désert

The Saint Guilhem le Désert PGI is a Languedoc appellation located in the northern part of the Hérault department. The vineyards of Saint Guilhem le Désert are situated at the foot of the Larzac Plateau and the Cévennes mountains.

Located at an altitude of between 100 and 150 meters, the vineyards of Saint Guilhem le Désert benefit from an ideal climate with Mediterranean influences. The soils consist of schist, marl, limestone, and molasse. Originally limited to five municipalities, the IGP—which replaced the Vin de Pays appellation on December 31, 2012—now covers 71 municipalities that meet the climatic and geological criteria originally defined.

While many grape varieties are authorized for producing Saint Guilhem le Désert wines, the primary varieties used are Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne, Carignan, and Grenache Blanc. These varieties allow producers to offer wines in all three styles: white, rosé, and red. The white wines of Saint Guilhem le Désert are full-bodied, with a touch of acidity and a fresh character. They are best enjoyed young to appreciate their freshness. This is the case with the wines offered by Domaine de l’Hortus.