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

Characteristics and tasting notes of Château de Nalys "Saintes Pierres de Nalys" red 2022 by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance

Displaying a deep ruby colour, this red wine is enhanced by subtle violet highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet is intense, marked by notes of red and black fruits such as ripe raspberry and blackcurrant. It then opens up to spicy touches of black pepper, cinnamon and liquorice, complemented by nuances of garrigue, tapenade and floral notes such as violet.

Palate

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

Serving and cellaring

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve this Rhône Valley wine at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. It can be enjoyed now, but will continue to evolve favourably and can be drunk until around 2035.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs ideally with grilled or braised red meats, such as a lamb navarin or a piece of beef. It also goes very well with game dishes, as well as aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.

A sun-drenched and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape by E. Guigal

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, the E. Guigal House is a true institution. Initially rooted in the northern part of the region, the estate has grown in a measured way over the decades. Today led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, the property has expanded southwards with the acquisition of Château de Nalys in 2017. This purchase marks a major milestone, allowing the producer to fully express its expertise on the terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while retaining its philosophy centred on patience and respect for the winegrowing tradition of the Rhône Valley.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château de Nalys extends over the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The vines, averaging 45 years of age, are cultivated according to the principles of organic farming. The grapes for this cuvée come from three distinct plots: "Nalys" with its red sandstone, "Bois Sénéchal" and "La Crau", both characterised by soils of ancient alluvium and rolled pebbles.

The vintage

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

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting and meticulous sorting, vinification takes place in temperature-controlled concrete tanks at between 28 and 30°C, with a maceration of around four weeks. Aging then lasts 18 months, mainly in large wooden casks with a small proportion of used barrels, before finishing with a six-month refinement in concrete tanks to preserve the aromatic freshness.

Grape varieties

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