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Haute Vallée de l’Orb is an IGP for red, white and rosé wines found in an area in the mountains of the Hérault administrative department in the Languedoc-Roussillon area of southern France. The IGP’s catchment area centers on the valley of the Orb river as it flows in a westerly direction through the Montagne Noir mountain range, just north of the St-Chinian AOC appellation.

The presence of the mountains here moderates Hérault’s dry Mediterranean climate, presenting a growing environment that is quite distinct from surrounding areas. The higher altitude here means that there is a more marked difference between day and night temperatures, lengthening the ripening period and ensuring a good retention of acidity. As a result, wines from this area are often leaner and more aromatic than the supple, full-bodied wines produced on the coastal plains of Languedoc.

A variety of topography within the boundaries of the Haute Vallée de l’Orb IGP means that there are a range of mesoclimates and terroirs created by the slope and aspect of the various vineyards. This has proved well suited to grape variety diversification, and more internationally known varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Viognier all thrive in the vineyards here. Classic Mediterranean varieties like Grenache and Carignan are still planted here, but have been overshadowed by their better-known counterparts from other parts of France.

A range of soils can be found in the area, thanks largely to the convergence of several geological areas. Limestone and sandstone are found here, as are some volcanic soils, and textures range from sands and clays to more stony soils. Soil depths range considerably as well, leading to a diverse viticultural environment.

The Haute Vallée de l’Orb IGP was previously classified under the Vin de Pays wine category, but has been renamed as an Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) since 2009. The Vin de Pays category has been phased out of French wine law due to its poor consumer image.