Winemaker Notes
Located near the medieval village of Pézenas in the heart of the Languedoc region, Domaine de Nizas was established in 1998 by Franco-American agriculturist, John Goelet, a member of a distinguished family in Bordeaux. With Bernard Portet at his side, a fellow visionary in the world of wine rooted in respect for tradition, they shared a driving ambition to create great wines in exceptional terroirs. This led to the creation of Clos du Val in Napa Valley as well as Taltarni and Clover Hill in Australia. Portet identified the terroir around Pézenas as one of extraordinary promise. Individual plots which represented three different soil types, or terroirs, were acquired to create Domaine de Nizas which would allow them to craft high-quality artisanal wines that express the spirit of the Mediterranean. Portet then worked with the local team on a major replanting to match the right grape varietals to the different terroirs. In 2018 the iconic French winemaker François Lurton took the helm of all viticultural and winemaking activities
A small category representing the wines that either fall outside of appellation lines or don’t subscribe to the law and traditions set forth by the French government within certain classified appellations, “Vin De France” is a catch-all that includes some of the most basic French wines as well as those of superior quality. The category includes large production, value-driven wines. It also includes some that were made with a great deal of creativity, diligence and talent by those who desire to make wine outside of governmental restrictions. These used to be called Vin de Table (table wine) but were renamed to compete with other European countries' wines of similar quality.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.