Château La Nerthe - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and dates from 1560. Château La Nerthe has 227 acres of vineyards that surround the château and top the renowned La Crau plateau. The terroir is typical of the region. Vineyards run along a slope and grow in sandy-clay soils. The ground is covered by a layer of ‘galets’ – large, round, well-worn stones that were carried down from the Alps by glaciers during the last ice age. All the 13 permitted primary varietals are planted here. Grenache dominates 62% of the vineyards and the average vine age is over 40 years old. The grapes are hand harvested and sorted on tables. The grapes are then put into vats for almost 4 weeks with regular pump overs and punch downs. The must is tasted every day during fermentation to ensure the best extraction of the berry compounds. At the end, the wines are racked into oak vats for malolactic fermentation. The cuvée is then aged in large French oak casks and barrels for 12 months before blending. Bottling takes place 6 months later.

"A lovely wine – so charming, fresh and compact, with great energy and freshness. The acidity really helps to balance the blackberry eau-de-vie fruit, which is potent but precise and powerful. A wine that has harmony and freshness, despite the high alcohol." - 92 Points, Decanter

Producer: Château La Nerthe

Country: France

Region: Rhône

Varietal: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvédre, Cinsault 

Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml