E. Guigal : Château de Nalys 2019

Tasting Notes and Characteristics of Château de Nalys 2019 White by E. Guigal

Tasting

Appearance
Bright and remarkably clear, it reflects meticulous craftsmanship and outstanding technical mastery.

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

Palate
Generous and vibrant, the palate captivates with its silky texture and great freshness. It reveals a superb mineral framework, beautifully balanced and precise, before extending into an extremely 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 aged hard cheeses matured for more than 18 months.

Serving and cellaring

For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve Château de Nalys 2020 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. With a fine ageing potential, it can be enjoyed until around 2036.

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 iconic figure of the Rhône Valley. Now led by Philippe Guigal, representing the third generation, this family-owned estate has distinguished itself through its high standards and 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 marked a major milestone for the family, who have since brought their renowned expertise to bear in elevating the wines to the very pinnacle of their appellation.

The vineyard

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

The vintage

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

Vinification and ageing

The winemaking process is carried out with meticulous attention. Following manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, fermentation takes place 70% in wood and 30% in stainless steel tanks. The wine then benefits from 8 months of ageing, 70% of which in barrels and demi-muids, allowing the woody notes to be subtly integrated 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.