The rebirth of a vineyard

The story of the Domaine de Toasc began in 1992, when Bernard Nicoletti bought 12 hectares of uncultivated land in the “Toasc” area (in the hills above Nice). Part of this land had already been used for viticulture over a century ago, from 1805 to 1906, by the Hooper family. Bernard Nicoletti decided to preserve the olive trees planted on 1.5 hectares of plots and to clear and restructure the rest in order to breathe new life into an estate that had been abandoned.

He then planted the land with grape varieties endemic to the Nice region, which are particularly typical of the Bellet appellation: Folle Noire and Braquet (red wine), and Rolle (white wine). The first vintages will go on sale in 2000.

Also in 2000, Bernard Nicoletti built his own winery and a new Palladian-style residence to further develop the estate. Today, the estate covers 15 hectares of land, including 8 hectares of vines and 2 hectares of olive trees.

The terroir

Domaine de Toasc wines are produced in the AOC Bellet area and in the commune of Saint-Blaise, producing Bellet appellation and vin de pays des Alpes-Maritimes wines.

The Bellet AOC terroir, in the heart of the Mediterranean region. It benefits from plenty of sunshine and beneficial rainfall, ensuring the formation of a special microclimate (sunshine, good irrigation and aeration thanks to the Mistral and Tramontane winds). In terms of soils, the majority are terraces of rolled Pliocene pebbles, facing east/south-east. This soil composition allows for gentle vine development and optimal grape ripening.

The terroir for these vins de pays, which is located in the commune of Saint-Blaise, is quite identical to that of Bellet, due to its proximity, and the climate is more or less the same. The soils are also composed of poudingue, a mixture of pebbles, sand and clay, similar to those of the Bellet AOC.

The wines

Toasc rouge stands out for its very light red color. On the nose, there are smoky aromas and a sweet cherry scent. Surprisingly dense on the palate, with aromas of fresh fruit and liquorice. Perfect with grilled red mullet or an avocado/salmon salad.

Toasc rosé has a salmon-pink color, quite pale and luminous at the same time. The slightly iodized nose reveals expressive spicy, ripe notes. Lively and elegant on the palate, this wine develops a fine structure and balance that make it a perfect match for a wide range of dishes. Spicy finish. Mediterranean and Asian cuisine will be enhanced by this wine.

Toasc blanc has a golden color, as pale as it is luminous. On the nose, aromas of white flowers, citrus fruit and lemon make themselves felt, before giving way to a fresh, opulent palate, finishing on a lemony, gourmet note. It goes very well with a seafood platter or a cheese platter.

Photos : Domaine de Toasc