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Château de Nalys

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc 2019

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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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 36% from the Nalys vineyard, 27% from La Crau, and 37% from Bois Senechal, from vines averaging 45 years of age, with the vintage resulting in even lower than the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 25 hl/ha specifically. The grape varietal composition is 43% Roussanne, 33% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 6% Bourboulenc, and 3% Piquepoul. 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 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

2019 was another warm and dry vintage in the southern Rhône, marked by insistent drought and repeated heat waves during the season. With little disease pressure or frost, the crop was of normal size, but reduced during the growing season by a lack of water. The grapes were concentrated, rich in sugar, and relatively low in acidity. Harvest at Château de Nalys started in August, and the higher elevation of many of the vineyards (esp Piedlong and Grand Piere) helped retain acidity. The crop was clean and ripe, with great concentration and aromatic expression. Both the Grand Vin and Saintes Pierres show exceptional density and richness, with aromas and flavors of ripe figs, yellow plums and honeysuckle. The Grand Vin offers greater weight and complexity, with firmer acidity. Both wines will be forward and accessible on release and will give the greatest pleasure within their first 10 years.

Tasting Note

Pale youthful gold, clear and brilliant color. On the nose intense notes of white flowers and citrus with a lovely vanilla note. The palate has breadth, elegance and length. A noble wine, elegant and very expressive.
Pair with lobster, fish with a beurre blanc sauce, aged goat cheese.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Piquepoul, Roussanne

Appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Farming

Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.

Alcohol

14%

Suggested Retail Price

$105

Reviews

95

"Luscious and spicy"

Wine Enthusiast - July 6, 2021

"Blending is the historic trademark of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and this iconic white highlights the diversity of the region’s white grape varieties as well as terroir. While similar in makeup to its sister bottling, the Saintes Pierres, it’s a richer, more decadent sip packed with ripe pineapple and yellow-apple flavors swathed in honeycomb, orange blossom and vanilla cream. Matured 70% in oak barrels, it’s luscious and spicy but also an elegant, balanced wine that should improve through 2035 and hold longer still." - A.I.

94

"Elegant, fresh"

Decanter - July 9, 2021

"Gentle apple compote aroma. This is an elegant, fresh style. Intense freshness, straight in style, not too full-bodied - great precision and clean lines. There's a tightening on the finish that helps create balance and focus. Highly spiced oaky finish. The oak will take time to integrate, but this will be extremely good when it's ready. 43% Roussanne, 33% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 6% Bourboulenc and 3% Piquepoul. 70% is vinified in barriques and demi-muids where it stays for seven months." - M.W. 

92

"Honeysuckle and acacia"

Wine Spectator - June 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

 

94

"Chiseled pineapple notes"

Wine Advocate - June 21, 2022

"The 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape Grand Vin Blanc is a blend of 43% Rousanne, 33% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 6% Bourboulenc and 3% Piquepoul, mostly aged in barrel and sourced in almost equal proportions from the lieux-dits of Bois Sénéchal, La Crau and Nalys. Toasted grain and chiseled pineapple notes appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate continues in a similar vein, adding hints of wood spice and finishing long and mouthwatering." - J.C

 

90

"Green apple snap"

Wine & Spirits - June 21, 2022

"From the estate that the Guigal family purchased in July 2017, this is a roussanne-focused blend including fruit from the Nalys vineyard as well as from holdings at the top of La Crau and in the adjoining Bois Sénéchal. The higher, cooler parcels were helpful in the hot 2019 vintage, allowing Guigal to turn out a wine that’s gentle yet structured. There’s a fair amount of oak showing at the moment (70 percent of the blend aged in barrels and demi-muids) but between the peachy fruit and the green-apple snap to the acidity, this should harmonize with a few more years in the cellar."

 

93

"Lemongrass, Sliced Lemon"

James Suckling - September 2, 2022 "I like the nose here with notes of lemongrass, almond skin, freshly cut grass and sliced lemon. Medium-to full-bodied with so much depth and complexity. Beeswax, sage and charred lemon. Layered and elegant with a smoky finish. Lovely. 43% Roussanne, 33% Grenache blanc, 15% Clairette, 6% Bourbolenc, 3% Picquepoul." -J.S 8/22

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