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

Tasting notes and characteristics of Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2020 by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance

The wine reveals a deep ruby red hue of beautiful intensity, underlined by tears indicating a generous concentration.

Nose

The bouquet shows great complexity, first releasing aromas of ripe red and black fruits such as cherry, raspberry and blueberry, nuanced by delicate floral touches. With aeration, it is enriched by mineral notes, sweet spices, liquorice and garrigue herbs.

Palate

Ample and generous, the palate offers a silky texture carried by supple, well-coated tannins. The balance is remarkable between the richness of the fruity flavours and an invigorating freshness. The tasting unfolds on a long, persistent finish, punctuated by peppery and minty notes.

Food and wine pairings

Ideal with finely cured charcuterie, this red wine also pairs wonderfully with grilled or braised meats, such as spring lamb, as well as slow-cooked dishes in sauce. On the cheese side, it will enhance aged hard cheeses such as Comté, or a dry goat's cheese.

Serving and ageing

Already very approachable and enjoyable to drink, this Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2020 also has a fine structure allowing it to evolve favourably in the cellar until around 2031.

A red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape full of liveliness and finesse

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, the E. Guigal House is an essential institution of the Rhône Valley in France. Today led by Philippe Guigal, who embodies the third generation, and his wife Eve, the family estate stands out for its absolute commitment and deep respect for the terroirs. In 2017, the estate fulfilled a long-held dream by expanding southwards with the acquisition of Château de Nalys. Certified for its environmental practices, the House perpetuates an expertise of excellence, combining traditional methods with great technical precision to reveal the authenticity of each plot.

The vineyard

This wine comes from three distinct and complementary terroirs of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. One third of the blend comes from the red sandstone and sandy clay soils of the Nalys lieu-dit, bringing great finesse. Another third comes from the famous La Crau plateau, covered with rolled pebbles, offering structure and concentration thanks to excellent drainage. Finally, the last third is born on the Bois Sénéchal terroir, with sandier soils, which gives the wine a beautiful freshness. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand.

Vinification and ageing

After rigorous manual sorting, the berries of Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2020 ferment in temperature-controlled vats for around four weeks to gently extract colour and tannins. In order to preserve the brightness of the fruit and the purity of the terroir, this cuvée sees no new oak. Ageing takes place over 18 months in large casks, followed by 6 months in concrete vats.

Grape varieties

Grenache, Syrah, and the rest of the blend includes Viognier, Muscardin, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse and Terret Noir.