Château La Nerthe : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

The richness and complexity of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine

La propriété

A true symbol of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in the appellation. Their histories have been intertwined for five centuries, making Château La Nerthe a historic landmark of the region. Nestling in a sumptuous Provencal setting, the magnificent château overlooks an exceptional architectural and winegrowing heritage. With its cellars dating back to the 16th century, its 92-hectare vineyard and its organic farming certification obtained in 1998, the estate embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Since 1985, the Richard family has been designing the estate's wines and continues to write the history of Château La Nerthe. The boundless ambition of this exacting, innovative family brings its heritage to the top.

The vineyard

Nestled in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Château La Nerthe oversees soils of rolled pebbles, sand and clay typical of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This terroir benefits from a Mediterranean microclimate and generous sunshine, guaranteeing full grape ripeness.

The vintage

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine comes from a vintage with contrasting weather conditions. Despite low rainfall, the soils were able to replenish their water reserves, enabling the vines to withstand the summer heat. Ripening of the grapes was slightly delayed by the rain at the end of August and September. With yields higher than the previous year, the harvest was spread over several weeks, finishing on 6 October.

Winemaking and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are sorted on a table. A vatting period of at least 21 days is followed by regular pumping over and punching down of the cap. Numerous tastings are carried out during the fermentation phase. Malolactic fermentation takes place in wooden vats. The wine is aged for 12 months in a variety of containers, including 40% in truncated-cone vats, 35% in foudres and 25% in barrels. Six months after blending, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is bottled.

Blend

Syrah (38%)
Grenache (35%)
Mourvèdre (25%)
Cinsault (1%)
Other grape varieties (1%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020 from Château La Nerthe

Tasting

Colour
The wine has a beautiful garnet red colour.

Nose
The nose presents a framework dominated by ripe red fruit, especially cherry, followed by notes of aniseed and licorice.

Palate
The palate has a lovely roundness, revealing supple tannins, fruity notes and a menthol finish.

To serve

For the best tasting, this Rhône Valley wine should be served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

Food and wine pairing

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020 from Château La Nerthe pairs perfectly with lamb tagine with plums.