Château La Nerthe is one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and extends over 220 acres around the castle. Loamy, sandy soils dotted with large pebbles produce finesse and aromatic expression. The location, near one of the few natural springs of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape designation, creates a microclimate that's warm in the day but cool at night. This microclimate creates white wines with a strong personality. Hand harvesting is done early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and grapes are sorted to remove any imperfect fruit. Fermentation of the Roussanne juice takes place in 60 gallon barrels (1/3 new) and then ages on their lees for 9 months. The remaining varietals are slowly pressed as whole grapes and only the most premium juice is extracted and retained. The must is then aged in temperature controlled stainless steel vats and stored to age on lees. Blending takes place shortly before bottling.

93 Points
Wine Spectator Insider
2020 vintage
91 Points
VinousMedia.com
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
In 2020 we had good weather leading to an exceptional vegetative cycle. Rainfalls throughout the year built up a water reserve to help cope with a summer heat wave. Rain at the end of August slowed down maturity of the grapes. Finally the harvest started late August, as in recent years, with the Grenache blanc of Platanes plot. Free from vine diseases, grapes were generous: quantity is higher than last year on all of our plots. A manual harvest by grape variety, spread over time, ending on October 6th, 2020 with some old Grenache vines.
Tasting Note
Bright and pale color with gold-green hints. On the nose: citrus aromas with notes of white flowers (lime blossom, acacia) along with white peach flavors. The wine is very delicate, developing on the palate some delicate and complex citrus, white flower and toasted notes. Nice balance on the finish between richness and freshness. This Château la Nerthe blanc is a model of elegance!
Technical Data
GRAPES: 47% Roussanne, 38% Grenache Blanc, 13% Clairette, 2% Bourboulenc
APPELLATION: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
PH: 3.48
ACIDITY: 4.42 g/l
ABV: 14.3%
AGING: Roussanne fermentation takes place in oak barrels (1/3 new barrels) in order to be aged on fine lees for almost 9 months
Unique Selling Points
  • Produced by one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s oldest and most storied estates
  • Each plot and age of vines is taken into account in the cultivation method
  • Certified AB Organic
  • Average vine age – 40 years

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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