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Château de Nalys

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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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.

Vineyard

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 grape 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.

Vineyard: Nalys

Surrounding the estate, the “Nalys” vineyard has very fine soils that create supple wines that are extremely silky and retain freshness. These are some of the oldest soils in Châteauneuf, underlying many of the other soil compositions in the appellation, made up of red sandstone, a sandy clay soil, and covered limestone with some soft sandstone at the vineyard edges. This plot is directly adjoining – over the hill – from Rayas, the great example of finesse in Châteaneuf. Official lieu-dit in land registries is “Grande Pierre”.

Vineyard: La Crau

“La Crau” is arguably the single greatest vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Nalys has 38 acres located as a single center-north block. It is famous specifically for structured, complex and intensely expressive wines. Naly’s holdings are the highest elevation of the Crau plateau and bordering forest they own, providing slightly cooler temperatures and ideal drainage – the sweet spot. The soils are made up of the famous galets: large round pebbles derived from the Rhône river. Direct neighbors are Henri Bonneau, La Janasse (used for their Vieilles Vignes), and other leading properties.

Vineyard: Bois Senechal

Adjoining La Crau, Nalys is the sole owner of the top of the plateau. Like La Crau, containing galets, though slightly smaller stones, and sandier soil composition; the wines are slightly less structured, more evenly composed. The site of their best Mourvedre plot, Bois Senechal also has fairly unique terraced vines in rows sloping back to the winery. Neighbors are further below the plateau, Mont Olivet, Domaine de la Solitude. Official lieu-dit is “Bois Seneseau”.

Winemaking

Manual harvesting and sorting was followed by vinification and aging in stainless steel and foudres (10%).

Tasting Note

Deep, dark and profound red color. An elegant nose wthat opens with notes of red fruits. Ample and supple tannins while keeping a lovely frame. A rich wine, balanced between richness and freshness.
Pair with an assortment of charcuterie, red meat grilled or cooked in a sauce like a spring lamb stew, a platter of aged cheeses.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Syrah

Appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Farming

Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$58

Reviews

17

"Achieves volume without distortion"

Jancis Robinson - October 1, 2018 "More overtly grapey aromas than the Guigal Châteauneuf, but the same substantial concentration and waxy texture. Melon and peach fruit on the long aftertaste. Achieves volume without distortion."

92

"Attractive, full-bodied wine that delivers ripe cherries"

Wine Advocate - October 31, 2018 “The “second wine” of Nalys, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres is a blend of 69% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 4% Muscardin, and 1% each Counoise and Mourvèdre. It was put together by the Guigal team, although the vinifications took place prior to the acquisition. It’s an attractive, full-bodied wine that delivers ripe cherries, a hint of stone fruit and very supple tannins.”

92

"Excellent sense of purity and focus"

James Suckling - October 30, 2019 "This has very concentrated fruit presence with an excellent sense of purity and focus. Aromas of rich, dark berries define the nose. Long, rich palate with a striking, layered, spicy impression. Ripe dark plums and chocolate to close."

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