E. Guigal : Château de Nalys 2020

Tasting notes and characteristics of Château de Nalys 2020 white by E. Guigal

Tasting

Nose

The nose reveals great aromatic elegance, marked by scents of white flowers such as honeysuckle, combined with citrus notes evoking yellow fruits. Subtle toasted and vanilla touches, resulting from oak ageing, perfectly round out this bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this white wine stands out for its penetrating presence and deep minerality drawn from its terroir of rolled pebbles. The whole offers remarkable balance and great complexity, combining freshness and richness.

Food and wine pairings

This great white wine pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes, particularly delicate white fish whose flavours it enhances without overpowering. It also goes perfectly with vegetarian dishes based on mushrooms or roasted root vegetables, as well as light poultry or pasta served with a creamy white sauce.

Serving and cellaring

Château de Nalys 2020 can be enjoyed in its youth to take full advantage of its aromatic vivacity, particularly between 2024 and 2026. For lovers of more evolved profiles, it will continue to develop favourably and can be enjoyed until around 2035.

The elegance and minerality of a great white wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, the E. Guigal estate is a true benchmark of the Rhône Valley. Now led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, the family-owned property stands out for its unwavering commitment to the authentic expression of terroir and its long-term vision. The acquisition of Château de Nalys in 2017 marked a historic milestone for the family, extending its excellence and expertise to the south of the region while preserving environmentally respectful viticultural practices.

The vineyard

Located at a particularly high altitude for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and facing north, the vines dedicated to the production of this white wine flourish across four distinct terroirs. The soils consist of red sandstone and safres, ancient alluvial stones, as well as the famous lieux-dits of La Crau and Piedlong, offering a rare geological diversity.

The vintage

The year was marked by a dry spring followed by a moderate summer, spared from extreme heat peaks. The harvest of the white grape varieties began early under mild and steady weather conditions, allowing the picking of berries with optimal ripeness and superb natural acidity.

Vinification and ageing

The making of Château de Nalys 2020 is the subject of meticulous attention. After manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, fermentation takes place 70% in oak and 30% in stainless steel tanks. The wine then benefits from 8 months of ageing, 70% of which in barrels and demi-muids, allowing the woody notes to be subtly integrated while preserving the natural freshness of the fruit.

Grape varieties

This wine comes from a blend dominated by Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, complemented by Clairette and a touch of Picardan.