Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, dating from 1560, with 220 acres of vineyards that surround the château. The grapes for Clos de Beauvenir are grown in a single vineyard that was previously an old castle garden. It is protected from the wind by plane trees that also provide shade during the day. A nearby spring, one of the few natural springs in the region, creates a microclimate that is warm during the day and cool at night. The vines are 40 years old on average and face south. Hand harvesting and sorting is done early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures. The Roussanne grapes are fermented in small French oak barrels (one third is new oak) and age on the lees for almost 10 months. The remaining varietals are slowly pressed as whole grapes for 3 hours to extract only premium juice. The juice is racked and fermentation begins in stainless steel vats at a low temperature to protect the flavors, and then aged on the lees for 9 months. Blending takes place shortly before bottling.

Harvest Note
One must go back several decades to find such a rainy spring in the Rhône Valley. Cumulative rainfall reached 33 inches over the first 10 months of 2018 vs. 8 inches in 2017, an exceptionally dry year. From mid-June throughout the summer temperatures had risen beyond the seasonal norms. The vines took advantage of this heat and the rains of August arrived just at the right moment to finalize the vegetative cycle to optimal conditions.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow with golden green hints. An intense nose with notes of citrus, peach, and pear. This powerful yet elegant wine has a long finish with a mineral touch. The oak is perfectly integrated. A superb wine to appreciate in its youth or to wait a few more years.
Food Pairing
Chicken with cream and truffles, spicy Asian cuisine, aged cheese
Technical Data
GRAPES: Roussanne (70%), Grenache Blanc (25%), Clairette (5%)
APPELLATION: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
PH: 3.47
ACIDITY: 4.67 g/l
ABV: 13.5%
AGING: Rousanne is aged on the lees in small French oak barrels (one third is new oak) for almost 10 months; Grenache Blanc and Clairette are aged on the lees in stainless steel vats for 9 months
Unique Selling Points
  • Clos de Beauvenir is a single vineyard that was previously an old castle garden
  • An elegant and powerful white wine with lingering minerality
  • Roussane is aged in small French oak barrels for almost 10 months
  • Certified AB Organic

About the Grape

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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