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Château de Nalys

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin 2017

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.

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

17.5

"Plush, lush texture and great fragrance"

Jancis Robinson - October 1, 2018 "Creamier and more sweetly spiced than their Saintes Pierres, with plush, lush texture and great fragrance. Lavish oak, but it's not ostentatious. The orchard fruit of the Roussanne comes through clearly."

93

"Full-bodied and succulent"

Wine Advocate - October 31, 2018 “A solid first effort from the new ownership, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin Blanc is a blend of 43% Roussanne, 33% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 6% Bourboulenc and 3% Picpoul. Seventy percent of the blend aged in oak, but I’d say that component is discrete, adding just a hint of pencil shavings and a fine-grained, silky texture. It’s full-bodied and succulent, delivering an attractive combination of pineapple and saline notes with understated elegance.”

92

"Fresh, creamy and balanced"

James Suckling - October 30, 2019 “This leads with roussanne (50%) and has a fresh and vibrant core of ripe-peach and lemon aromas. The palate is fresh, creamy and balanced with some quite crisp structure and a long, gently nutty finish."

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Château de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc Bottle Shot

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    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.

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