Château La Nerthe : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

A seductive, complex and rich Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine

The producer

Founded in the 12th century, Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Château La Nerthe is renowned beyond the French borders and is considered as an essential Rhône Valley reference, thanks to its wines which combine refinement and richness with a beautiful complexity and an exceptional ageing potential.

The vineyard

Château La Nerthe watches over a 92-hectare terroir, certified in organic farming since 1998. Resting on stony soil, typical of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean microclimate and generous amounts of sunshine, enabling the grapes to reach optimum ripeness.

The wine

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape by Château La Nerthe is made from vines that are 40 years old on average, planted on a patchwork of soils made up of clay, limestone, sand or sandstone and pebbles, depending on the plot.

The vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are rigorously sorted on a sorting table. Vatting for 18 to 21 days, regularly pumping over and punching down. Vinification and malolactic fermentation in wooden and stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for 12 months, followed by the final blend then ageing for an additional 6 months before bottling

The blend

Château La Nerthe's 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape comprises a blend of Grenache Noir (37%), Syrah (29%), Mourvèdre (27%) and Cinsault (7%).

The tasting

Colour

Dark and deep, the colour perfectly expresses the concentration of this vintage.

Nose

This wine exudes fragrances of blackcurrant, black tea and dried flower.

Palate

Rich and fruity, this wine seduces with its velvety feel, its complex tannins and its balance. The palate, with its purity and persistence, offers a promising ageing potential.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve between 15°C and 16°C.

Storage

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 by Château La Nerthe can be kept in the cellar until around 2028, enabling it to express its full aromatic range.

Food and wine pairing

This Rhône Valley red wine is ideal with a fillet of beef with a Grand Veneur sauce, lamb shank baked in the oven or duck confit.