Portraits of winemakers

PIERRE MEYER, DOMAINE DES NYMPHES: A WINEMAKER IN THE VILLAGE OF RASTEAU

1285 Views Posted on: 2024-05-31
 

Domaine des Nymphes: A Name with Divine Origins

The Beginning of a Legacy

Pierre Meyer’s journey at Domaine des Nymphes began in 1984 when he joined his parents at the estate. “At the time, I was studying oenology, but my parents wanted to have all three of their children under the same roof. So, I returned to the estate to help them out,” says Pierre, who has never left Domaine des Nymphes since.

The Meyer family chose to name the vineyard in reference to an ancient altar dedicated to the worship of Nymphs, which was located on the site of their cellar. This Roman-era relic now resides at the Calvet Museum in Avignon. “We liked the reference to the Nymphs but found that the term 'altar' was too closely associated with religion. So, we kept the part that interested us and became Domaine des Nymphes,” Pierre explains. This choice has proven fruitful, as many visitors have told Pierre and his sister Nadine that they came to the estate simply because the name piqued their curiosity.

Pierre Meyer: A Champion of Vin Doux Naturel

Covering 17 hectares of vineyards, with 6 hectares under the Rasteau appellation, Domaine des Nymphes produces red, rosé, and white wines under the Rasteau and Côtes-du-Rhône appellations. “We cultivate our vines with the utmost respect for nature, and our methods are close to those of organic viticulture,” explains Pierre, who believes that the estate’s geographical location and the region’s very favorable climate greatly contribute to the quality of their wines.