Château de Nalys

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2020

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

Produced from three exceptional terroirs: 33% Nalys, with fine, red sandstone and sandy clay, with some limestone and soft sandstone; 34% La Crau, featuring the famous galets, large round pebbles derived from the Rhone river; 33% Bois Senechal, with slightly smaller galets and sandier, less structured soils than La Crau. These vines average 45 years of age, with the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of 35 hl/ha. The varietal composition is 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Muscardin, 5% (Mourvedre, Cinsault, Vaccarese, Terret Noir). All 13 permitted Châteauneuf 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 18 months of aging in stainless steel and foudres (10% new).

Vintage

2020 is another excellent vintage for the Rhône Valley. Another dry spring was followed by a moderate summer featuring, this time without the extreme heat spikes of 2019. Harvest occurred early – particularly for whites and Rosés – but the weather was even and temperate throughout. The grapes were ripe and concentrated with superb natural acidity – superb raw materials for exceptional wines. The wines are rich, balanced, and expressive.

Tasting Note

Deep, dark and profound red. An elegant nose, open with notes of red fruits. The palate is ample and supple, with tannins keeping a lovely frame. Overall, a rich wine, balanced between richness and freshness.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Syrah, Vacarese

Appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Farming

Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.

Alcohol

15.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$70

Reviews

"Ripe cherry and pomegranate"

James Suckling - April 28, 2023 “Ripe and generous with plenty of ripe cherry and pomegranate fruit. The crisp tannins and acidity lift the widescreen palate very neatly. Long, clean finish. A cuvee of 70% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 4% muscardin, 2% cinsault, 1% terret noir, 1% vaccarese and 1% counoise." -J.S 4/23

"Refreshingly minty twist"

Vinous - October 26, 2023

"Matured for 18 months in a combination of foudre, demi-muids and concrete tanks, [...]. It displays fragrant aromas of rose water, blood orange, raspberry, licorice, dried herbs and a refreshingly minty twist. It is a full-bodied and concentrated red, enveloped in ripe tannins, concluding with good persistence on the sapid finish. The wine's lack of new oak contributed to its lifted freshness."- N.G. 10/23

"Red licorice and mulling spices"

Wine Spectator - November 2, 2023

"Alluring, with a svelte mix of cherry coulis, red licorice and mulling spices that are nicely rendered and textured on the palate. Gilded with apple wood smoke and grilled herbs on the lengthy finish, this is drinking beautifully now. "- K.B. 10/23

"Ripe black cherries and raspberries"

Wine Advocate - November 2, 2023

"With just 20% aged in demi-muids (the rest was in foudre or tank), the 2020 Châteauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres is only slightly toasty and cedary, with most of the wine's aromas consisting of ripe black cherries and raspberries. [...] this full-bodied effort is supple, charming and easy-drinking, with hints of baking spices that linger delicately on the finish."- J.C 9/23

Trade Materials

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Videos

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Saintes Pierres de Nalys Rouge

August 16, 2019 - This informational video demonstrates the various geographical location of Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge vineyards.

Other Wines by this Producer

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin

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