Domaine de Nizas Coteaux du Languedoc 2005

A blend of 60% Syrah, 35% Mourvedre and 5% Grenache.

The 2005 vintage for Domaine de Nizas was dry and warm. Rain fell at the beginning of September, followed by good weather, which made the grapes mature perfectly. Cool nights produced balanced acidity, adding freshness to the wine.

This wine is deep garnet in color, with fragrant aromas of blackberries, bilberries (European blueberries) and spices. The distinctive herbal notes commonly found in wines around the Mediterranean called garrigue—lavendar, sage, rosemary and wild thyme—speak to the wine's regionality and terroir. The palate is well-balanced and clean, becoming round and full-bodied, with soft, ripe tannins and a long finish. Enjoyable now or age for up to five years in a cool cellar.

This powerful and elegant wine is an ideal partner to Mediterranean dishes such as a lamb tangine with candied grapes and almonds of braised duck with mushrooms. Serve at cellar temperature and open one hour before tasting.