Languedoc vineyards are still reeling from the court case with Gallo so some good news is always welcome. The Sun Sentinel reports on ....
The village of Nizas, France, is 20 miles northwest of the Mediterranean town of Sete in the heart of a burgeoning wine region known as Languedoc. Because of the region's warm, dry climate tempered by cool winds from the northern mountains and breezes from the sea, each grape vintage there consistently shows high quality, and the Languedoc appellation has rightly become known for some of the best wine values in the world.
Certainly adding to that is Domaine de Nizas, one of Languedoc's premier estates. Purchased and completely revitalized in 1998 by American businessman John Goelet and Bernard Portet, the founding winemaker at California's Clos du Val, Domaine de Nizas stands out among the many in Languedoc.
Consider the 2007 Domaine de Nizas Le Mas Red, produced from estate-grown grapes of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and petit syrah. The first two grapes provide good structure in the wine and a lingering finish on the palate, while the syrah contributes soft tannins and a fruit-rich aroma. The end result: a user-friendly red that can be enjoyed as an aperitif wine or with a variety of foods.
I also like the 2006 Domaine de Nizas Carignan. Unlike other wineries that use carignan grapes in a blend, this is a 100 per cent varietal, produced in limited quantities from 50-year-old vines. It's supple on the palate, has soft tannins yet rich flavors, and ends in a long and smooth finish on the palate.
Those who prefer something in white can opt for the 2008 Domaine de Nizas la Mas White, produced from a blend of sauvignon blanc, viognier, and vermentino (an Italian grape). The unique blend delivers aromas of apricots (from the viognier) and tastes of fresh citrus (from the sauvignon blanc and vermentino).
Serve with: Enjoy the Le Mas Red with beef and lamb, the carignan with hearty fare like beef stew, duck, or roast pork, and the Le Mas White with seafood or grilled fish (it's also quite good with goat cheese).
Availability/suggested retail: Sold in wine and food markets, the Le Mas red and white retail for $14 and the carignan for $16.
No comments:
Post a Comment