Since their very first vintage bottled under the Guigal name, in 1946, the Guigal family has produced a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The terroirs of Nalys realize a dream spanning three generations to join this leading prestigious and historic appellation. A property of 125 contiguous acres, Nalys is comprised of three spectacular plots within three of the best vineyards in the appellation: the famous “La Crau”, Nalys, and “Bois Sénéchal”. Already listed in regional land registers at the end of the 16th century, Château de Nalys is one of the oldest properties in the appellation and begins a new chapter in the hands of Guigal.

These three extraordinary vineyards come together in an intensely expressive, utterly complete wine. This ‘Grand Vin’ defines the estate style with a precision of fruit, spice, and minerality and notably, a beautifully composed structure that unfolds and builds (and builds). Notably, 50% of the blend comes from La Crau, which lends this structure. Primarily intense old vine Grenache, with a large portion of Syrah, and additions of several other varieties, including most of the estate’s Mourvèdre. Vineyards sites break down as 50% La Crau: the famous galets, large round pebbles derived from the Rhône river, 27% Nalys: fine, red sandstone and sandy clay, with some limestone and soft sandstone, and 23% Bois Senechal: slightly smaller galets and sandier, less structured soils than La Crau.

The vineyards are farmed organically, with vines averaging 45 years of age and yields were at 35 hectoliters per hectare. After manual harvest and sorting, vinification occurred in conical wooden vats, fermentation lasting around 4 weeks. Aging was for 18 months, of which 30% was in wood barrels and foudres, and 70% in concrete vats. 2016 was one of the greatest Southern Rhône vintages of the last decades, ripe and powerful but exquisitely structured and detailed wines. Deep, dark, and dense red color. An intense nose of red and black berries and spice. A beautiful composition, with silky tannins, power, and elegance. Expressive, noble, and complete.