Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and extends over 220 acres around the castle. Cuvée des Cadettes is not a selection made in the cellar, but a wine crafted from a unique, 20 acre vineyard planted with 85 to 100 year old vines. The plots that make up this Cuvée are mainly based on sandy-clay soils which provide outstanding quality tannins. This Cuvée is co-fermentated, hand harvested and hand sorted. Alcoholic fermentation occurs directly after maceration, with wild yeast native to the vineyard. The intensity of pumping over and punching down is defined by tasting the fermenting juice to ensure the best extraction of the berry compounds. Maceration lasts 3 weeks and the wines are racked into concrete tanks for malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged 12 months in 100% small French oak barrels and blending takes place shortly before bottling.

94 Points
Jeb Dunnuck
2020 vintage
95 Points
Wine Spectator
2019 vintage
Tasting Note

Dark garnet color with purple hints. The nose shows black cherry liqueur aromas with toasted notes and fruity scents of strawberries and balsamic. On the palate, beautiful richness, density and concentration of sandalwood, cedar, and cherry blossom are followed by a spicy finish. The aromatic complexity and elegance are both qualities that reveal the richness and balance of La Nerthe.

Food Pairing

A wonderful pairing with red meat dishes, especially beef, lamb and venison. An ideal accompaniment to hearty casseroles or a rich, warm, winter stew.

Unique Selling Points
  • Produced by one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s oldest and most storied estates
  • Certified AB Organic
  • Estate grown, hand harvested, estate bottled
  • Average vine age – 85+ years

About the Grape

Grenache
Grenache is loaded with dense, lusty aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant, jam, pepper and licorice, with a palate-coating texture and high alcohol.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre makes big, meaty, rustic wines high in alcohol, acidity and tannin, with moderate black fruit characters. Shows aromas and flavors of wild Provençal herbs, leather, mushrooms and barnyard.
Syrah
Syrah has seductively dense, rich, chewy black berry aromas and flavors, with notes of tar, wood smoke, bacon, leather, chocolate, and sometimes violets. The tannins are firm yet elegant.
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