Saint-Guilhem le désert

The Saint Guilhem le Désert PGI is a wine appellation in the Languedoc region, 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 between 100 and 150 meters above sea level, the vineyards of Saint Guilhem le Désert benefit from an ideal climate with Mediterranean influences. The soils consist of schist, marl, limestone, and molasse. Initially limited to 5 communes, the IGP—which replaced the Vin de Pays appellation on December 31, 2012—now covers 71 communes that meet the originally defined climatic and geological criteria.

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