Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and dates from 1560. Château La Nerthe has 220 acres of vineyards that surround the château. These grapes are grown in loamy, sandy soils near a wood and one of the few natural springs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, creating a microclimate that is warm during the day but cool at night. This microclimate creates white wines with strong personality. Grapes are hand-harvested early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and sorting removes any imperfect fruit. All the grapes are pressed in a pneumatic press for 3 hours and then racked after 24 hours to begin low-temperature fermentation. The Roussanne and Grenache are fermented in French oak barrels and demi-muids, and the Clairette and Bourboulenc are fermented partly in demi-muids and partly in stainless steel tanks. The wine ages on fine lees for almost 9 months. The final blending takes place shortly before bottling.

97 Points
Jeb Dunnuck
2021 vintage
93 Points
Wine Spectator
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
In 2021, the combination of regular rainfall, a mild winter, moderate temperatures in the summer, and the absence of water stress led to excellent sanitary conditions in the vineyard. This was despite a cold spell at the beginning of April. The frost that hit France spared Château La Nerthe plots thanks to the Mistral wind and proximity of the Rhône River. Harvest started with the picking of white grapes before storms in September and October. The result was a larger than average production of Clairette grapes (30%) and well-balanced Roussanne grapes
Tasting Note
Pale gold with green tints. This refined and balanced white wine offers notes of lemon and orchard fruits with floral and herbal aromas.
Food Pairing
Grilled fish, bouillabaisse.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Roussanne (43%), Clairette (30%), Grenache Blanc (25%), Bourboulenc (2%)
APPELLATION: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
PH: 3.52
ACIDITY: 4.24 g/l
ABV: 13.5%
AGING: Aged on the lees for 9 months in a combination of French oak barrels, demi-muids, and stainless steel tanks
Unique Selling Points
  • One of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape - dates from 1560.
  • Estate grown, hand harvested, estate bottled.
  • Average vine age is 40+ years
  • Certified AB Organic

About the Grape

Bourboulenc
A late-ripening variety, Bourboulenc can be lean and neutral, but when picked at optimal ripeness, it has high natural acidity and shows fresh citrus and floral characters.
Clairette
Vinified carefully, Clairette produces a light, floral and fruity wine. Used in sparkling wine and in blends, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tavel Rosé, Côtes-du-Rhône and Lirac.
Grenache Blanc
This grape can produce an attractive, fleshy, generously fruity wine with a fragrance of flowers and dill.
Roussanne
Roussanne is an elegant, complex wine of finesse, good acidity and balance. Has aromas and flavors of melon, white fruits, pears, tree blossoms and herbs. Shows honey and coffee notes with age.
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