Winemaker Notes
Cuvée Nicolas is named after Jean-Marc and Eliane’s son and comes from a blend of Grenache grown in the red schist soils of the foothills of the Pyrenees in Asprès with Grenache from the back schist soils of Maury. These low yielding vines (19hl/ha) are around 65 years old and are planted on terraces with southern and southeastern exposure.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A flavorful grenache, full of red plums, redcurrants, potpourri and raw spices. Medium- to full-bodied palate with lightly chewy tannins and plenty of dried strawberries.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A 100% Grenache from vines averaging 65 years of age, the 2021 IGP Côtes Catalanes Nicolas (it does include 15% of the previous vintage) spent just eight months in demi-muids prior to bottling. A terrific effort for near-term consumption, it delivers subtle hints of garrigue, crushed stone and licorice, all on a bed of ripe black cherries. Full-bodied, round and expansive, framed gently by silky tannins, it finishes long and harmonious.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.