E. Guigal : Château de Nalys 2019

Characteristics and tasting notes of Château de Nalys 2019 white by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance
Bright and remarkably clear, it reflects meticulous work and excellent technical mastery.

Nose
Intensely aromatic, the bouquet unveils delicate floral notes and a subtle hint of vanilla brought by the ageing.

Palate
Generous and vibrant, the palate seduces with its silky texture and great freshness. It reveals a superb mineral backbone, perfectly balanced and precise, before stretching out on an exceptionally long finish, carried by floral and spicy nuances.

Food and wine pairings

Perfectly balanced, this wine pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry, white meats in sauce or hard cheeses aged for more than 18 months.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve Château de Nalys white at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. Endowed with great ageing potential, it can be enjoyed until around 2035.

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape white wine of seductive freshness and richness

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal, the E. Guigal House is an emblematic figure of the Rhône Valley. Today led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, the family estate has distinguished itself through its high standards and its respect for terroirs. In 2017, the domaine expanded with the acquisition of Château de Nalys, a historic property whose origins date back to 1633. This purchase marks a major milestone for the family, which brings its renowned expertise to elevate the wines to the highest peaks of their appellation.

The vineyard

Located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the vineyard extends over high-altitude terroirs with north-facing slopes. This geographical setting provides a slightly cooler climate, conducive to slow ripening of the berries. The vines grow across three distinct plots: the famous La Crau terroir with its rolled pebbles bringing beautiful minerality, the saffres soils of Nalys providing freshness, and the sands of Bois Sénéchal. The estate is committed to an environmental approach, having obtained High Environmental Value certification at the end of 2019.

The vintage

The 2019 year was marked by warm and sunny weather conditions. This favourable climate allowed the berries to reach optimal ripeness while preserving a beautiful natural acidity. The harvest took place in September under ideal weather, ensuring a perfect sanitary condition.

Vinification and ageing

The winemaking process receives meticulous attention. After manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, fermentation takes place 70% in wood and 30% in stainless steel tanks. The wine then undergoes 8 months of ageing, with 70% in barrels and demi-muids, subtly integrating the woody notes while preserving the natural freshness of the fruit.

Grape varieties

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