Domaine Lombard Vin de Pays de La Drome Le Re Nommee 2014
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A bright, floral-edged style, with flecks of white pepper enhancing the core of damson plum and cherry fruit, giving way to a flash of peach before an iron streak checks in on the finish.
The Domaine Lombard estate was founded in 1981 by Jean-Marie and Sylvette Lombard, who contributed to the revival of the Brezeme appellation after it was decimated by the Phylloxera outbreak, falling from 250 acres to just a few acres in the 1930s. In 2012, the Lombards retired and a new dynamic team led by Emmanuelle and Julien Montagnon took over the estate. With passion, commitment, and courage they replanted part of the vineyards, secured more land and finally built a new winery. The estate currently comprises 5 acres of Syrah and Viognier in Vin de Pays Drome and 18 acres of mostly Syrah, with some Roussanne and Marsanne in Brezeme. The vines are between 15 and 30 years old.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A catchall term for the area surrounding the Languedoc and Roussillon, Pays d’Oc is the most important IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) in France, producing 85% of this country’s wine under the IGP designation. (IGP indicates wine of good quality, not otherwise elevated to the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status.)
The near perfect Mediterranean climate combined with dry, cool winds from the north, optimal soils, altitudes and exposures make Pays d’Oc an ideal wine growing region. Single varietal wines and blends are possible here and while many types of grapes do well in Pays d’Oc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cinsault are among the most common.