CHÂTEAU DE NALYS

RHONE, FRANCE

Why Buy: The granddaddy of northern Rhône, Guigal set its sights on southern Rhône in 2017, expanding into Châteauneuf-du-Pape and almost overnight  elevating the standard at the iconic property Château de Nalys. The 96-point Grand Vin from 2019 is one of the great dividends of that purchase, a commanding and complex Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and we're also proud to be able to bring you two wines from their Saintes Pierres property, crafted to be opened early, but, as with the Grand Vin, a dynamic marriage of de Nalys' legendary terroir and Guigal's centuries of winemaking precision. This is a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in real-time, as one of the wine world's most respected families continues to reimagine the potential of a hallowed estate.

Distinguishing Detail: What sets Château de Nalys apart, as a producer of premium Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is its remarkable vineyard diversity. Here, all 13 of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's permitted grape varieties find a home, each matched to the soil type that allows it to express itself most eloquently. 

What They’re Saying: “The balance here is spot on,” Jeb Dunnuck wrote, of the “brilliant” 2019 Grand Vin,” singling out its “great tannins,” “elegance,” and “finesse.”

The Bottlings: The Grand Vin stands at the apex of Château de Nalys' production, born from the estate's finest plots, where old vines plunge deep into a complex soil tapestry. Following a careful  fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel, it matures in oak foudres and barrels. The Saintes Pierres wines, both red and white, offer a different perspective on the estate's terroir. Their name, "holy stones," is a playful reference to Châteauneuf-du-Pape's famous galets roulés and rich history. Built to be opened when young, they sacrifice nothing in complexity. The red showcases vibrant fruit and spice, while the white demonstrates the potential of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. All three bottlings benefit from Nalys' diverse soils: red sandstone imparts structure, sandy clay contributes finesse and aromatics, and limestone lends a crucial mineral backbone. This geological diversity, combined with Guigal's exacting winemaking, sets these wines apart in the appellation.

Our Tasting Notes: In our recent tasting, the 2019 Grand Vin displayed remarkable concentration and penetrating  depth, with dark fruit flavors complemented by garrigue herbs and a pronounced mineral streak. Its structure suggests excellent aging potential. The 2020 Saintes Pierres offered more immediate charm, with vibrant red fruits and a soft, silken texture. The 2022 Saintes Pierres Blanc impressed with its balance of richness and vibrancy, showcasing stone fruits and a saline minerality. Across all three, Guigal's trademark precision was amply evident, as was a clear, defined expression of Château de Nalys' unique terroir.

The Story: To their great credit, the Guigals approached the estate — which dates to the 16th century, and which has borne witness to the region's evolution over four centuries, from papal retreat to viticultural paradise — not with a desire to remake it in their own image, but rather  to coax the ultimate expression of quality from its already exceptional terroir. Under Guigal's stewardship, Château de Nalys has undergone a renaissance. Vineyards have been meticulously analyzed and replanted where necessary. Winemaking techniques have been refined, always with an eye towards allowing the land to speak through the wine. The result is a new era for this grand estate, one that honors its centuries of history while pushing the boundaries of what Châteauneuf-du-Pape can be.

Fun Fact: As far back as the estate goes, the region’s history is even older, having been settled at either the end of the 10th or beginning of the 11th century. “By 1317,” Barrons has noted, "Pope John XXII began construction of the hilltop castle in the village for which it’s now partially named."

Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these wines come directly from the estate. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.