E. Guigal : Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2019

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" red 2019 by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a deep, dark red hue, enhanced by delicate violet reflections.

Nose
Elegant and remarkably pure, the aromatic bouquet opens with notes of red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and cherry. It is then enriched with subtle hints of garrigue, spices, minerals and violet, uplifted by a touch of menthol.

Palate
Full and harmonious, the palate offers a beautiful balance between richness and freshness, supported by supple, silky tannins. Flavours of red and black fruits blend with nuances of peppery herbs, candied flowers and spices. A fine acidity and a mineral thread carry the wine through to a long, lingering finish.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted red meats, such as lamb infused with rosemary or thyme. It also perfectly accompanies Mediterranean dishes, charcuterie platters, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses such as mature Comté.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2019, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C, decanting it about an hour before tasting. Approachable in its youth, this wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve beautifully until around 2033.

The elegance and freshness of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, the E. Guigal House is a true institution of the Rhône Valley. Initially a négociant, the family gradually acquired prestigious terroirs. Today, the estate is led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, alongside his father Marcel. In 2017, the family fulfilled a long-held dream by acquiring Château de Nalys, a historic property of around 53 hectares. This acquisition reflects their determination to apply their exacting standards and philosophy of precision to the terroirs of the southern part of the region.

The vineyard

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine comes from three exceptional plots: Nalys, Bois Sénéchal and the famous plateau of La Crau. The vines, averaging 45 years of age, thrive on a mosaic of soils composed of red sandstone, sandy clay and the renowned rolled pebbles. Committed to an environmentally respectful approach, the estate practises sustainable viticulture with low yields, allowing the grapes to concentrate all their aromas.

The vintage

The 2019 season began with a dry spring, followed by a moderate summer punctuated by three distinct heat peaks. The harvest, which took place normally in mid-September, yielded concentrated berries with excellent ripeness and lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, the vinification of Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2019 takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks between 28 and 30°C for around four weeks. Aging then continues over a period of 24 months, combining stainless steel tanks and large oak foudres. In order to preserve the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit, only 10% of new barrels are used, with the rest consisting of older vessels.

Grape varieties

This wine is made from a blend of Grenache (65%), Syrah (25%), Muscardin (5%) and other traditional varieties such as Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse and Terret Noir (5%).