Wines Pic-Saint-Loup Château La Roque - 2024

Château La Roque’s 2024 Pic-Saint-Loup AOC red is a fine representative of Languedoc’s vinous resurgence, crafted with meticulous care and a profound respect for terroir. Predominantly made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre—classic southern varieties—the wine showcases the expressive potential of these grapes. The 2024 vintage, likely marked by the region’s sun-rich growing season and reliable Mediterranean breezes, emphasises ripe black fruit, wild herbs, and subtle spice notes on the nose and palate. Vinification typically involves careful sorting of grapes and a sensitive approach to extraction, preserving freshness and aromatic complexity. Ageing, often partly in large oak vessels or concrete, maintains structure without overwhelming the wine’s natural charm.

Pic-Saint-Loup, situated at the northernmost edge of the Languedoc wine region, is prized for its distinct microclimate. The area benefits from significant diurnal temperature shifts thanks to the cooling influence of the Pic Saint-Loup mountain and the Cévennes foothills—conditions which lengthen ripening and intensify aromatic development. The soils, composed predominantly of limestone and clay with a scattering of galets roulés, deliver both finesse and robustness to the wines. Historically, this landscape has been cultivated since Roman times, and Pic-Saint-Loup has steadily earned a reputation for producing some of Languedoc’s freshest, most age-worthy reds.

For food pairings, this expressive red makes a superb partner to hearty southern French fare. Consider traditional dishes such as cassoulet, grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic, or daube de boeuf. Its savoury garrigue character also complements Mediterranean vegetable stews like ratatouille and hard cheeses from the region, such as Tomme de montagne.

To best appreciate this 2024 Château La Roque Pic-Saint-Loup, serve it at around 16-18°C after a brief decant, allowing the wine’s youthful vibrancy and layers of fruit, spice, and herbal notes to reveal themselves fully in the glass.