E. Guigal : Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" Red 2022 by E. Guigal

Tasting

Colour

Deep ruby in colour, this red wine is enhanced by subtle violet highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet is intense, marked by notes of red and black fruit such as ripe raspberry and blackcurrant. It then opens onto spicy touches of black pepper, cinnamon and liquorice, complemented by hints of garrigue, tapenade and flowers such as violet.

Palate

The attack is silky and elegant. The mid-palate offers lovely volume, with tannins that are both firm and well integrated. A saline acidity brings tension, leading to a long, persistent finish.

Serving and Ageing

For optimal enjoyment, this Rhône Valley wine is best served at a temperature of between 16 and 18°C. It can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop favourably and can be drunk until around 2035.

Food and Wine Pairings

This wine is an ideal match for grilled or braised red meats, such as a lamb navarin or a cut of beef. It also pairs beautifully with game dishes, as well as with aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

A Sun-Drenched, Elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape by E. Guigal

The Estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, the E. Guigal house is a true institution. Originally rooted in the north of the region, the estate has grown steadily and judiciously over the decades. Now run by Philippe Guigal, who represents the third generation, the house expanded into the south with the acquisition of Château de Nalys in 2017. This purchase marked a major milestone, allowing the producer to showcase the full extent of its expertise on the terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining true to its philosophy of patience and respect for winemaking tradition in the Rhône Valley.

The Vineyard

The Château de Nalys vineyard lies within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The vines, with an average age of 45 years, are farmed according to the principles of organic agriculture. The grapes for this cuvée come from three distinct plots: "Nalys", with its red sandstone, and "Bois Sénéchal" and "La Crau", both characterised by soils of ancient alluvium and rounded pebbles.

The Vintage

The 2022 vintage was marked by extreme weather conditions in the south, with severe drought and very high temperatures. Despite this particularly hot climate, rigorous vineyard management yielded grapes of great ripeness, offering a profile that is both sun-drenched and generous while retaining a fine balance.

Winemaking and Ageing

After hand harvesting and meticulous sorting, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats at between 28 and 30°C, with maceration lasting around four weeks. The wine is then aged for 18 months, mainly in large oak foudres with a small proportion of used barrels, before a final six months of maturation in concrete vats to preserve its aromatic freshness.

Grape Varieties

Grenache (65–70%), Syrah (20–25%), Muscardin (4–5%), Mourvèdre (2–5%) and other varieties (5–10%).