E. Guigal : Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2020

Tasting notes and characteristics of Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2020

Tasting

Appearance
Bright and luminous, it reveals magnificent golden reflections typical of a great white wine.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with delicate notes of white flowers, refreshing citrus fruits and white-fleshed fruits, offering beautiful complexity.

Palate
Generous and perfectly balanced, the attack unveils superb freshness. This wine seduces with its silky texture and lingering finish, carried by lovely minerality.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes such as a tian of summer vegetables, aubergines or courgettes. It will also enhance goat's or sheep's milk cheeses, such as a Saint-Félicien, as well as white meats in cream sauce or delicate fish.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this 2020 vintage, it is recommended to enjoy it now, although it has cellaring potential allowing it to evolve favourably until at least 2030.

The refined expression of a great white wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, the family estate E. Guigal is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Now led by the third generation, embodied by Philippe Guigal, the House continues its absolute pursuit of excellence. In 2017, the family fulfilled a long-held dream by acquiring Château de Nalys, a historic property whose winegrowing origins date back to the 17th century. This acquisition marks the family's definitive foothold in the southern part of the region, turning this gem into a showcase of their exceptional expertise.

The vineyard

Located within the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the vineyard dedicated to this cuvée draws on vines growing across four exceptional terroirs: "Nalys" (30%), "Bois Sénéchal" (50%), "La Crau" (10%) and "Le Piedlong" (10%). These iconic plots combine red sandstone, sandy soils and the famous rolled pebbles. Committed to a strong environmental approach, the estate is certified High Environmental Value and is continuing its transition towards organic farming.

The vintage

The 2020 year stood out for its very favourable weather conditions. After a dry spring, the summer season proved moderate, without the extreme heat peaks experienced the previous year. Harvest took place early under a mild and steady climate, allowing the picking of berries with optimal maturity, concentrated and endowed with superb natural acidity.

Vinification and ageing

The harvest is carried out by hand with rigorous sorting. Pressing is gentle, followed by temperature-controlled vinification to preserve the aromatic purity and freshness of the berries. Ageing of 9 months takes place mainly in stainless steel tanks, with 20% in oak barrels and half-muids to bring complexity without masking the brightness of the fruit.

Grape varieties

Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picardan, Picpoul and Roussanne.