Grape varieties
 
Strict rules lay down exactly which grape varieties may be used if wines are to be recognized as part of the "Coteaux du Languedoc" appellation with the "Pic Saint-Loup" denomination. These rules also cover permitted yield, alcohol level, planting density, pruning techniques and minimum vine age,:

Red wines
- Principles varieties: Black Syrah, Black Grenache, Black Mourvèdre.
At least two of these must be used;
- Additional varieties : Black Cinsault and Black Carignan, up to a maximum of 10 per cent of the total blend.

Rosés wines
- Principles varieties :Black Syrah, Black Grenache, Black Mourvèdre
At least two of these must be used.
- Additional varieties : Black Cinsault, up to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total blend.
 
Alcohol level and harvest yield (article 5)
 

Grapes must be picked at full maturity and have an alcohol level alc/vol above 11°5.

PS : The maximum authorized yield is 50 hectolitres per hectare.
 
Minimum age of vines (article 6)
 


Recognition can only be granted :

- To rosé wines produced from vines in their third year and planted by 31 August.

- To red wines produced from vines in their sixth year and planted by 31 August.

 
Planting Density (article 7)
 

As from 1990 the minimum density for all new planting or replacement planting is 4000 plants per hectare.

The vines must be hard pruned in one of two ways : "gobelet" (bush) or "cordon de royat" (trunk with two horizontal ‘arms’), with a maximum of eight main shoots and one renewal spur per shoot.