The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, while globally renowned for its powerful red wines, produces a small but highly distinguished volume of white wine. Château de Nalys, a historic estate now under the esteemed E. Guigal family, stands as a benchmark for these rare white expressions. The 2019 vintage of their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc exemplifies the estate's commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of the Southern Rhône.
Crafted from a traditional blend, typically featuring Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, sourced from diverse parcels across the appellation's famed 'galets roulés' and sandy soils. This diversity contributes to the wine's inherent complexity and structural integrity. Winemaking involves careful temperature-controlled fermentation, often with a portion in older oak barrels, followed by extended ageing on fine lees to impart texture and aromatic depth. The 2019 vintage is anticipated to offer both immediate pleasure and significant cellaring potential, evolving gracefully over time.
Tasting notes
The 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Château de Nalys presents a luminous golden hue. The nose is intricate, revealing layers of white peach, ripe apricot, and honeysuckle, underpinned by subtle notes of fennel and a distinct mineral salinity. On the palate, it is full-bodied and textural, yet remarkably fresh, with a vibrant acidity that carries flavours of citrus zest, toasted almond, and a delicate hint of garrigue. The finish is exceptionally long and persistent, marked by a refined elegance and a saline minerality that speaks to its unique terroir. This wine is poised for evolution, promising further complexity with bottle age.