E. Guigal : Château de Nalys 2021

Characteristics and tasting notes of Château de Nalys 2021 red by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a deep red hue, ranging between ruby and garnet.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with intense notes of black cherry, plum, freshly turned earth and sweet cinnamon. With aeration, it unveils touches of aromatic herbs, black pepper and allspice.

Palate
Beautifully rich and displaying a medium to full body, the palate offers ripe, silky and persistent tannins. Flavours of black and red fruits intertwine harmoniously, leading to a remarkably long finish underlined by spicy nuances of black pepper and liquorice. This vintage stands out for its lovely freshness and structuring acidity.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs wonderfully with classic meats such as beef, veal, pork, lamb or duck, whether grilled or slow-cooked. It also complements Asian dishes rich in umami, meaty fish such as tuna, as well as recipes based on mushrooms, aubergines or tomatoes.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal enjoyment, it is recommended to serve Château de Nalys 2021 at a temperature of around 15.5 degrees. This wine has excellent cellaring potential and can be enjoyed until approximately 2041.

The elegance and complexity of a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, the E. Guigal estate is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Now led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, and his wife Eve, the family property is renowned for its qualitative demands and its respect for terroirs. In July 2017, the family fulfilled a long-held dream by acquiring Château de Nalys, a historic estate whose origins date back to the late sixteenth century. This acquisition marks the prestigious establishment of the family in the southern part of the region.

The vineyard

The Château de Nalys vineyard extends over just over fifty hectares within the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The vines benefit from a particularly high altitude for the area, with steep slopes facing north. The terroir is divided into three distinct zones: fine red sandstone and sandy clays, the famous rolled pebbles of La Crau that store heat, and sandier soils. The entire estate is farmed according to the principles of organic agriculture.

The vintage

The year 2021 began with devastating episodes of frost in spring, considerably reducing yields. The growing season then proved rather cool and damp, punctuated by brief rises in temperature. Heavy rains occurred in mid-September, right in the middle of the harvest period. Fortunately, the mistral wind blew intensely in the days that followed, drying out the vines, preventing the development of diseases and allowing the grapes to reach optimal physiological maturity during a late harvest.

Winemaking and aging

The Château de Nalys 2021 harvest undergoes a rigorous selection. Fermentations take place thanks to indigenous yeasts, with minimal intervention, and the wine is neither fined nor filtered. Aging is carried out in demi-muids and large casks for part of the blend, while the rest matures in oak barrels, a method chosen to control the impact of new wood on the final aromatic profile.

Grape varieties

60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre