Château La Nerthe : Cuvée des Cadettes 2019

Characteristics and tasting notes of Château La Nerthe "Cuvée des Cadettes" 2019

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a deep ruby hue adorned with violet reflections. Beautiful thick tears run down the sides of the glass, testifying to the richness of this wine.

Nose
Highly complex, the aromatic bouquet opens on intense notes of ripe red and black fruits, such as blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry and raspberry. It is then enhanced by subtle floral hints of violet, sweet spices, peppery garrigue, as well as more tertiary nuances evoking damp earth, leather, tobacco and smoke.

Palate
The attack is broad and generous, revealing a rich and powerful body. The velvety texture is supported by firm yet perfectly integrated tannins, all underpinned by a lovely freshness. The tasting extends over an exceptionally long, savoury and delicately spiced finish.

Food and wine pairings

This characterful red wine will beautifully enhance roasted or braised meats, such as a rack of lamb with Provence herbs, a grilled rib of beef or a Provençal daube. It will also pair wonderfully with game such as roasted venison, as well as aged hard cheeses like vintage Comté or Cantal.

Serving and cellaring

To fully enjoy the aromatic palette of this 2019 vintage, it is recommended to serve it in large glasses at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, after aerating for one to two hours or lightly decanting. This wine for laying down can be enjoyed today, but will continue to develop in the cellar and can be drunk until around 2039.

The richness and depth of a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine

The estate

Founded in 1560, Château La Nerthe is a historic and iconic figure of the Rhône Valley. A pioneer in estate bottling and exportation as early as the 18th century, it has greatly contributed to the fame of its appellation. Now run by the Richard family, owners since 1985, and under the leadership of director and oenologist Rémi Jean, the property extends over 92 hectares. Combining architectural heritage and sustainable practices, the estate has been certified organic since 1998.

The vineyard

Located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the mistral wind. The vines grow on a true mosaic of micro-terroirs made up of rolled pebbles, sands, deep clays and limestones. The estate places the utmost importance on biodiversity by integrating nesting boxes, eco-grazing and cover crops. The grapes for this cuvée come exclusively from the historic Les Cadettes plot, which is home to the oldest vines on the property, meticulously hand-harvested.

The vintage

The 2019 year was characterised by particularly sunny climatic conditions that made it possible to achieve optimal ripeness of the berries. This favourable growing cycle produced grapes of great concentration and impeccable sanitary condition.

Winemaking and aging

This cuvée is the subject of a rigorous plot-by-plot selection and a meticulous sorting of the bunches. Vinifications are carried out with precision to extract the substance while preserving the finesse of the tannins. The wine then benefits from twelve months of ageing in oak foudres, promoting a gentle micro-oxygenation and a perfect integration of its structure without excessively marking its aromatic profile.

Grape varieties

The blend is composed of Mourvèdre (55%), Syrah (27%) and Grenache (17%).