Press Pack An expression of terroir
Nathalie ARNAUD-Bernard Technical director BERNARD PORTET Agronomist oenologist Although Domaine de Nizas is scarcely more than 18 years old, our philosophy is timeless: a deep respect for nature and an understanding of the vital importance of matching the right variety to a specific terroir. From the outset, this principle has guided the actions of owner John Goelet, an American from a family of Bordeaux wine merchants who acquired an estate in Pézenas in 1998. Situated at the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, Pezenas and the surrounding area is blessed with a benign Mediterranean climate; indeed, this is a region where the climate and geographical location have favoured premium wine making since Ancient times. Seizing the opportunity to make distinct wines with authenticity and a true sense of place, John Goelet decided to collaborate with respected agronomist Bernard Portet. Recognised as one of the world s leading agronomists and oenologists, Portet is the co-founder of the Clos du Val in Napa Valley and today maintains an interest in Domaine de Nizas as technical advisor. With a natural talent for finding the world s most promising terroirs, Bernard Portet was particularly seduced by the Languedoc and more specifically by the terroir located between Caux, Nizas and Pézenas; he sensed that by selecting the right blocks and grape varieties, there was unlimited potential to make great wine here. After an extensive terroir study of the vineyard blocks surrounding the estate, Portet realised that two-thirds of the existing vines were unsuitable for their terroir and so they were pulled up, reducing the initial 48 hectares to 16. Today, the specific characteristic of Domaine de Nizas lies in the noble grape varieties selected by Bernard Portet to match the rich diversity of its terroirs. It took a long time to find the right varietals, Portet admits. He strived to plant varieties that would thrive in each individual vineyard block, capitalising on his extensive experience in managing diverse terroirs across the world. Domaine de Nizas now cultivates several varieties, including some ancient 60-year old Carignan vines and a selection of Grenache and Syrah clones for the reds, which has ensured the quality of the wines. It is this wide range of grape varieties perfectly matched with the terroirs which gives Domaine de Nizas wines their special personality. And just like grapes, which need time to grow and ripen, Domaine de Nizas, has developed slowly but surely, in total respect of its vines, to become the superb estate it is today. Proof and recognition indeed of the quality of wines produced here: 95% of the vineyard is AOC Côteaux du Languedoc, with traditional grape varieties: Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Since 2008, the estate has been producing a Languedoc Pézenas AOP.
Our Philosophy: an expression of terroir Wine-growers must respect nature: such is the philosophy of Domaine de Nizas. The estate continues to work with leading experts and consultants in our quest to get the very best out of our terroir and produce exceptional, premium wines. Now offering 3 distinct wine ranges, Domaine de Nizas is reaping the benefits of 15 years of investment, research and intense work on its specific vineyards plots and grape varieties. Terroir is, of course, at the very heart of Domaine de Nizas; we are proud to showcase to the world our unique mosaic of terroirs, each with its defining characteristics that make it suitable for a specific variety or varieties. Our vineyards The vines are to be found on a plateau above Pezenas in the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon region, France s oldest vineyard growing area. The estate is located between two basalt spurs, affording it a privileged position for quality grape growing in our three distinct types of terroir: Limestone (Calcareous-clay), basalt and Villafranchian (river pebbles). These terroirs were specifically chosen by Goelet and Portet to give great potential and freedom to wine-makers to create high quality wines of exceptional character. Today, we cultivate 40 hectares of vineyards. The alchemy between basalt, limestone and rounded river pebbles allows a skilled winemaker to create wines with wide aromatic ranges from a selection of different grape varieties. Domaine de Nizas makes wines from a range of varieties ideally suited to the terroir, namely: Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Carignan, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The estate makes the most of its unique geological characteristics and aims to express its rich terroirs to the full in it all its wines, particularly the Mosaique blends: each containing 3 grape varieties grown on 3 terroirs, on an estate which is itself at the crossroads of towns. One of the world s leading agronomists, Bernard Portet was inspired when he advised John Goelet to invest in Domaine de Nizas. He foresaw the potential of the terroir and the estate, and imagined all that could be done with these terroirs and a committed and dynamic team. Below, he answers a few questions on his distinguished career and work with Domaine de Nizas. What makes Domaine de Nizas special? Before purchasing the property, John Goelet requested an expert evaluation to be sure that top quality wine could be produced here. The vineyard was in a pitiful state, but I immediately saw the potential of the three terroirs and to what extent they could offer different types of expression. How did you go on to develop the estate? In April 1998 I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Bernard Meunier, technical director at the time, who had a truly innate sense of terroir and variety. We grubbed up two thirds of the vineyard, going from 48 hectares to 16 hectares. This was necessary if we were to move forward. We had to combine soil, vine stock and varieties and we had to succeed in finding harmony between geology and grape varieties. Today, Nathalie is continuing the restructuring work. And where does this sense of terroir come from? My father passed on his philosophy and love of terroir to me and he instilled the importance of the fundamental values of wine: balance, elegance, complexity and a long finish. Thanks to my education, and the Montpellier School of Agronomy, I have always been highly aware of the importance of letting the terroir express itself. Today, thanks to the expertise of the team, the characteristics of each terroir have been maximised, resulting in top quality, lively wines.
The human touch Nathalie Arnaud-Bernard: Technical Director at Domaine de Nizas Since 2011, Domaine de Nizas has been fortunate to work with talented winemaker Nathalie Arnaud-Bernard, who has brought her innovative and dynamic touch to the estate. She had spent several years in Australia and other countries as well as Langudeoc-Roussillon working her way up the career ladder, from cellar person to winemaker, acquiring ever-more expertise on her journey. Indeed, it was her in-depth knowledge of the Pézenas terroir and her international expertise that led John Goelet to appoint her to the position of Technical Director of the Estate in 2011. Nathalie s presence is to be felt throughout the wine-making process and she applies an approach based on perfect balance between innovation and authenticity to the 40 hectares she manages. This magical alchemy, between traditional know-how and modern innovation in sustainable agriculture, is the secret to ensuring that Domaine de Nizas earns its place in the premium wines sector. A sustainable approach Our team understands that simply growing the right varieties on a specific terroir is not enough. Nature has to be properly cared for - Nathalie is a strong advocate of sustainable viticulture. She insists on day-to-day meticulous and constant observation of the estate s vineyard, in order to closely monitor their health and ensure that they are not lacking anything. In addition, Domaines de Nizas does not practice irrigation in the vineyards. Instead, the terroir expresses itself naturally through the vines. Our geographical location means that the estate is constantly swept by a northerly, seawards breeze, explains Nathalie. The vines are protected even during heat waves, she adds. The estate has fully embraced the principles of sustainable agriculture since 2007, following a rigorous set of processes and specifications aimed at protecting biodiversity: less herbicides and more mechanical labour. For example, Domaine de Nizas advocates the use of grape-picking machines on Royat Cordon trellised vines and manual harvest on younger plants and older goblet pruned vines. We also practice the manual sorting of grapes, two and a half tonne vats and a whole host of other initiatives designed to protect the grapes. Since her arrival on the estate, Nathalie has carried out an extensive analysis of the vines to determine the needs of the plant. Each vine gets the personal touch. Catering to the needs of plants in order to produce quality grapes is at the core of the Domaine de Nizas philosophy: an expression of terroir. Of course, Nathalie and her team know that they can never rest on their laurels, and that a permanent spirit of innovation is the key to success. The estate has been restructuring for 20 years. The restructuring process includes meticulous work selecting the right grape varieties for each terroir, grubbing up and replanting. In 2015, 3 hectares of Syrah were planted, says Nathalie Arnaud Bernard.
The wines Domaine de Nizas offers 3 distinct wine ranges. Mosaïque The core Mosaique range is made up of red, white and rosé Coteaux du Languedoc PDO wines, each composed of three grape varieties grown in three distinct terroirs. The wines offer intense fruit flavours, balanced with elegance and freshness on the palate. In addition, they are premium wines which reflect the environment - each cuvee has been named after the terroir which gives it its specific characteristics. Les Pierres Blanches (Rose) is named after the limestone terroir which give it fine red fruit aromas, roundness and vitality. Les Terres Noires (white) is named after the basalt terroir which contributes to its intense nose, freshness and minerality. Les Galets Dores (Red) is named after the golden pebbles of the villfranchian terroir which give it richness, roundness and strong fruit aromas. Expression The estate s flagship is the Expression range (Languedoc-Pézenas PDO), where only the finest grapes from distinct plots are blended to create aromatically complex and structured wines. With Expression, the idea is to highlight a specific grape variety. We work by selecting individual blocks. This technique really shows the power of the terroir, and the perfect harmony between soil, vines and the climate, says winemaker Nathalie. Le Mazet Domaine de Nizas also offers an approachable entry-level selection, known as Le Mazet (Pays d Oc PGI) These are excellent value and approachable Red and White IGP wines suitable for all occasions.
Prizes won in 2015 AOC Languedoc Blanc 2012 Grands vins du Languedoc 2014 : or Vinalies internationales 2014 : argent Decanter 2014 : bronze Guide Hachette des vins 2015 AOC Languedoc Blanc 2013 Grands vins du Languedoc 2015 : or Jancis Robinson : 17/20 IWC 2016 : argent Les Terres Noires 2014 (AOC Languedoc Blanc) Concours général agricole 2015 : Argent Les Terres Noires 2014 (AOC Languedoc Blanc) AOC Languedoc Rosé 2014 Concours général agricole 2015 : argent IWSC 2015 : bronze Wine spectator : 89/100 IWC 2015 : commended Wine Enthusiast : 86/100 AOC Languedoc Rouge 2011 Decanter 2014 : commended Jancis Robinson : 16,5/20 IWSC 2015 : argent Wine spectator : 90/100 IWC 2015 : bronze Concours général agricole 2014 : bronze Mundus Vini 2015 : or Mazet de Sallèles 2012 (IGP Pays D Oc Rouge) Concours général agricole 2014 : or Mundus Vini 2015 : argentt La Réserve 2009 (AOC Languedoc Pézenas) Grands vins du Languedoc 2014 : or Féminalises 2013 : argent La Réserve 2009 (AOC Languedoc Pézenas) La Réserve 2010 (AOC Languedoc Pézenas) La Réserve 2010 (AOC Languedoc Pézenas) Jancis Robinson : 16,5/20 Vignerons indépendants 2015 : bronze Guide Hachette des vins 2016 IWC 2016 : bronze
«The Goelet family and team s goal for Domaine de Nizas is to create great wines which express the rich mosaic of our terroirs and create a unique moment of authentic delight for the drinker. «
Nizas facts and figures Terroirs: The cornerstone of the estate. Plots, grape varieties and terroir are all interwoven, and are parent to top quality wines which are both complex and expressive. Varietals: Ensuring that each varietal is planted on precise soil types, produces wines full of character and strong personality. Expression: Like a kaleidoscope, Domaine de Nizas wines express life and their environment, with roots reaching deep down into the earth, reflecting the geological characteristics of the estate. Spectrum: Thanks to a skilled team, Domaine de Nizas has taken advantage of the wide spectrum of grape varieties and terroir, to produce and market premium quality wines. Winery: Wines can be tasted on the estate from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Nathalie Arnaud-Bernard and her team will give you a warm welcome to the winery and be happy to advise you during tasting. 5 main markets: USA, Japan, Belgium, France and England Conception /Réalisation : - 04 67 17 38 32 press contact Sarah Hargreaves In The Mood - LR Tel. +33 (0)4 67 54 70 03 Mob. +33 (0)6 13 61 17 84 sarah.presse@orange.fr www.inthemoodpress.com SCEA Domaine de Nizas HAMEAU DE SALLÈLES - 34720 CAUX Tel. +33 (0)4 67 90 17 92 - Fax: +33 (0)4 67 90 21 78 www.domaine-de-nizas.com