Domaine de Toasc

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, and particularly typical of the Bellet appellation: Folle Noire and Braquet (red wine), and Rolle (white wine). The first vintages will be marketed from 2000 onwards. Bernard's grandfather, Joseph, owned a transport company in Nice, and transported the wine to the Var, getting paid in grapes.

Also in 2000, with a view to expanding the estate, Bernard Nicoletti built his own winery and a new residence in the Palladian style. Today, the estate boasts 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, giving wines in the Bellet appellation and the Saint-Blaise vin de pays.

The AOC Bellet terroir, in the heart of the Mediterranean region. It enjoys 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 ensures gentle vine development and optimal grape ripening.

The terroir, due to its proximity to Bellet, is quite identical and the climate is much the same. The soils are also composed of poudingue, a mixture of pebbles, sand and clay, in the same way as those of AOC Bellet.

The wines

The Toasc rouge stands out for its very light red color. On the nose, there are rather smoky aromas, as well as a sweet cherry scent. On the palate, the wine is surprisingly dense, with aromas of fresh fruit and licorice. Perfect with grilled red mullet or an avocado/salmon salad.

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

The Toasc blanc offers a golden color, as pale as it is luminous. On the nose, aromas of white flowers, citrus and lemon emerge, before giving way to a fresh, opulent palate, finishing on a lemony, gourmet note. Ideal with a seafood or cheese platter.