Domaine de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Saintes Pierres de Nalys' Rouge Rhone, France 2018 (750ml)

Producer: Domaine de Nalys

Grapes: 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, Muscardin, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Vaccarese, Terret Noir

Where: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley

Country: France

Critic tasting note: "Matured primarily in stainless steel, this fresh-fruited red is packed with summer-sweet blackberry and plum goodness edged by salty, smoky minerality. A Grenache-dominant blend sourced from each of de Nalys' three plots, it's an immediate and hedonistic yet soulful wine best enjoyed now to 2026. Anna Lee C. Iijima" - Wine Enthusiast

Organic Farming

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Additional Info:

Since its creation in 1946 by Etienne Guigal, the Guigal family has produced a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The terroirs of Nalys realize a dream spanning three generations to join this leading prestigious and historic appellation. Marcel and Philippe Guigal will bring passion and rigour, their family quality philosophy, and the ambition of waving the flag of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at the very highest level.

Translated as “holy stones”, a play on the soils and history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the second red wine to Château de Nalys is an altogether different animal.  Differing varietal and plot selections, fermentation, and aging result in a wine that is rich and ample, yet offers immense direct and approachable pleasure; a wine of red fruits, supple structure and brightness.

In comparison to the Grand Vin, this wine relies both on varieties and plots that bring freshness, and a vinfication entirely in stainless steel and foudres that emphasizes that freshness.

The composition is 33% from the Nalys vineyard, 34% from La Crau, and 33% from Bois Senechal, from vines averaging 45 years of age, with the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of 35 hl/ha. The varietal composition is 69% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 4% Muscardin, 1% Counoise, and 1% Mourvedre. All 13 permitted Châteaneuf grapes are planted on all 3 vineyard plots at Nalys. Manual harvesting and sorting was followed by vinification and 18 months of aging in stainless steel and foudres (10%). Following the drought-affected 2017 vintage, 2018 continued the same pattern, with only modest spring rainfall before a relatively hot and humid summer. A difficult vintage but an exceptional result in Châteauneuf du Pape. Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.