Château de Nalys
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc 2020
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Guigal’s mastery of growing and producing white wine varieties in the Rhône Valley is exemplified in this wine of immense breadth and power, elegance and expression. Intensely aromatic nose of white flowers, citrus and a touch of vanilla, on the palate the presence is undeniably penetrating, with a deep minerality joining the notes above. Guigal is today the single most important producer by value and volume of white wine in the Rhône, with 25% of their production dedicated to whites. Nalys is 18% planted to whites, very high for the area, and in fact at one point it is believed the estate produced the majority of the entire appellation’s white wine production.
Vineyard
The composition is 30% from the Nalys vineyard, 25% from La Crau, 30% from Bois Senechal, and 15% from Piedlong. With vines averaging 45 years of age, the vintage resulted in even lower than the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 25 hl/ha specifically. The grape varietal composition is 40% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc, 18% Clairette and 2% Picardan & Picpoul. All 13 permitted Châteauneuf grapes are planted on all 4 vineyard plots at Nalys.
Vineyard: Nalys
Surrounding the estate, the “Nalys” vineyard has very fine soils that create supple wines that are extremely silky and retain freshness. These are some of the oldest soils in Châteauneuf, underlying many of the other soil compositions in the appellation, made up of red sandstone, a sandy clay soil, and covered limestone with some soft sandstone at the vineyard edges. This plot is directly adjoining – over the hill – from Rayas, the great example of finesse in Châteauneuf. Official lieu-dit in land registries is “Grande Pierre”.
Vineyard: La Crau
“La Crau” is arguably the single greatest vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Nalys has 38 acres located as a single center-north block. It is famous specifically for structured, complex and intensely expressive wines. Naly’s holdings are the highest elevation of the Crau plateau and bordering forest they own, providing slightly cooler temperatures and ideal drainage – the sweet spot. The soils are made up of the famous galets: large round pebbles derived from the Rhône river. Direct neighbors are Henri Bonneau, La Janasse (used for their Vieilles Vignes), and other leading properties.
Vineyard: Bois Senechal
Adjoining La Crau, Nalys is the sole owner of the top of the plateau. Like La Crau, containing galets, though slightly smaller stones, and sandier soil composition; the wines are slightly less structured, more evenly composed. The site of their best Mourvedre plot, Bois Senechal also has fairly unique terraced vines in rows sloping back to the winery. Neighbors are further below the plateau, Mont Olivet, Domaine de la Solitude. Official lieu-dit is “Bois Seneseau”.
Winemaking
Manual harvest and sort, with pressing and clarification of the must before vinfication and 8 months subsequent aging of 70% in wood (barrels and demi-muids) and 30% in stainless steel.
Vintage
2020 is another excellent vintage for the Rhône Valley, and it is a particularly fine vintage for Rosé wines! Another dry spring was followed by a moderate summer featuring, this time without the extreme heat spikes of 2019. Harvest occurred early – particularly for whites and Rosés – but the weather was even and temperate throughout. The grapes were ripe and concentrated with superb natural acidity – superb raw materials. The wines are rich, balanced, and expressive.
Tasting Note
Pale youthful gold, clear and brilliant. Intense nose of white flowers and citrus with a lovely vanilla note. Breadth, elegance and length. Noble wine, elegant and very expressive.
Pair with lobster, fish with a beurre blanc sauce, aged goat cheese.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picardan, Piquepoul, Roussanne
Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Farming
Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.
Alcohol
14.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$125
Reviews
"Melon and Lemon curd"
Wine Spectator - September 21, 2022 "Enticing, with melon and lemon curd flavors cruising through. Offers nice definition, backed by honeysuckle and acacia notes on the stylish finish. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. " -J.M 11/21
"Toasted Brioche"
Jeb Dunnuck - September 21, 2022 "“Always made in a slightly richer style compared to the Saintes Pierres de Nalys, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Grand Vin Blanc offers a beautiful array of white currants, honeyed peach, toasted brioche, and a terrific salty, mineral-like character that shows more on the palate. Rich, medium to full-bodied, wonderfully pure, and balanced, I'd put it up with the finest whites in the vintage " -J.D 11/21
"Salty beam of flinty minerality"
Wine Spectator - December 15, 2022 "Sleek, spicy and dense, with an inviting display of ripe, juicy pear and warm apple interwoven with dried thyme and garrigue that add a nice savory detail, with a kiss of meringue on the lush palate. Shows a salty beam of flinty minerality that cuts through the richness and concentration. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Picpoul and Picardan. " -K.B 12/22
"Succulent acidity"
Wine Spectator - October 26, 2023 "A stylish version, with a polished layer of toast and cedar that reveals flavors of yellow apple, melon and stone fruit. Succulent acidity keeps this nicely fresh, despite its plumpness, and a spine of salt and mineral runs from beginning to end. A rich, full style, with real pedigree and length." -K.B 10/23
Reviews
Trade Materials
Videos
Chateau de Nalys Blanc
August 16, 2019 - This informational video demonstrates the various geographical location of the Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc vineyards.
Other Wines by this Producer
Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The second white wine to the Chateau de Nalys Grand Vin Blanc has a character all its own, with a strongly different varietal and plot composition, and like its red Saintes Pierres counterpart, a fermentation, and aging geared towards emphasizing freshness. The hallmark seamlessness of Guigal's white wines is especially evident in this wine, which is unlike any Chateauneuf white we have experienced in its grace and lift.
Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Translated as "holy stones", a play on the soils and history of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the second red wine to Chateau de Nalys is an altogether different animal. Differing varietal and plot selections, fermentation, and aging result in a wine that is rich and ample, yet offers immense direct and approachable pleasure; a wine of red fruits, supple structure and brightness.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The realization of the Guigal family's dream of Chateauneuf-du-Pape: 3 extraordinary vineyards coming together in an intensely expressive, utterly complete wine. It defines the estate style with a precision of fruit, spice and mineral structures and, notably, a beautifully composed structure that builds and unfolds.
