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Château de Nalys

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2017

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Translated as “holy stones”, a play on the soils and history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the second red wine to Château 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.

In comparison to the Grand Vin, this wine relies both on varieties and plots that bring freshness, and a vinfication entirely in stainless steel and foudres that emphasizes that freshness.

Vineyard

The composition is 33% from the Nalys vineyard, 34% from La Crau, and 33% from Bois Senechal, from vines averaging 45 years of age, with the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of 35 hl/ha. The grape varietal composition is 69% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 4% Muscardin, 1% Counoise, and 1% Mourvedre. All 13 permitted Châteaneuf grapes are planted on all 3 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 Châteaneuf. 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 harvesting and sorting was followed by vinification and 18 months of aging in stainless steel and foudres (10%).

Vintage

2017 is the first Nalys vintage vinified by Guigal from start to finish. Unfortunately, the crop was very small as Spring in the South was very wet, interrupting the flowering and causing the significant crop loss overall (40-50%). However, Summer was stable and dry, leading into perfect autumn which allowed even ripening and excellent phenolic development. Harvest took place in late September under clear skies. The Nalys reds are classic Chateauneuf du Pape– with ripe tannins, adequate but fresh acidities, and exceptional concentration. Production was about 50% of normal for the estate.

Tasting Note

Deep, dark and profound red color. An elegant nose that opens with notes of red fruits. Ample and supple tannins while keeping a lovely frame. A rich wine, balanced between richness and freshness.
Pair with an assortment of charcuterie, red meat grilled or cooked in a sauce like a spring lamb stew, a platter of aged cheeses.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Syrah

Appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Farming

Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$58

Reviews

92

"Balanced, with a great core of fruit"

Jeb Dunnuck - July 7, 2020

"Coming from tiny yields (the estate was down 40% in 2017), the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, balanced style as well as lots of classic dark berry fruits, licorice, garrigue, and peppery goodness. Balanced, with a great core of fruit, it’s a softer, more forward, charming wine than the grand vin and is ideal for drinking over the coming decade."

91

"Classic leather and cherry flavors"

Wine Advocate - July 7, 2020

"Marked by hints of allspice and clove, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres delivers classic leather and cherry flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, yet silky and streamlined, well-balanced for its stated 15% alcohol. Drink it over the next 5–8 years."

90

"A traditional style"

Wine Spectator - November 19, 2020

"A traditional style, with a slightly dried edge to the mix of cherry, damson plum and red currant fruit, with a dusting of sandalwood and rooibos tea notes on the finish. Grenache and Syrah."

94

"Approachable now"

Wine Enthusiast - January 26, 2021

Editors' Choice

"This Grenache-dominant blend offers black cherry and cassis flavors edged by hints of leather and fire-roasted chestnuts. Fine-grained, integrated tannins make it approachable now, but this should drink beautifully through 2030."

Trade Materials

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Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Bottle Shot

Videos

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    Saintes Pierres de Nalys Rouge

    August 16, 2019 - This informational video demonstrates the various geographical location of  Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge vineyards.

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