Learn everything about Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting notes, wine and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important wineries and wine makers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles
Chateau de Nalys History, Overview
Chateau de Nalys takes its name from the original founders of the estate who owned the property in the 1700s. The domain was confiscated during the French Revolution, broken into smaller parcels, and sold at auction.
In the modern era, Domaine de Nalys came to be known for producing quality wine under the direction of the Dufays family, when it was owned by Dr. Philippe Dufays.
Philippe Dufays improved their wine-making practices and increased the size of the de Naly vineyards to almost 80 hectares. Under the direction of Philippe Duffay, Domaine de Nalys became one of the earliest producers in the Southern Rhone Valley to bottle and market their own wine. This began taking place as early as 1955.
After the tragic death of his son at a young age, Philippe Dufays split up the vineyards of Domaine de Nalys. In 1976, he sold 50% of the estate to the Groupma Insurance Company and the rest of the vineyards were sold to different growers and winemakers active in the appellation.
Domaine de Nalys has from time to time produced private-label blends to order, which has hurt the brand in the eyes of some consumers. In 2005 and 2006, the estate made wine for the giant American retailer, Costco, which was sold under the name of The Kirkland Signature Cuvee de Nalys. In 2005 Les Dix Salmees was made for export to the British market.
Things changed again at Domaine de Nalys in July 2017, when the estate was sold to Domaine Guigal. Isabelle Ogier was retained as Technical Director. The name of the estate was officially changed from Domaine de Nalys to Chateau de Nalys.
Chateau de Nalys Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking
Chateau de Nalys has 50 hectares of vines of which 40 hectares are used to make red Chateauneuf du Pape wine and 10 hectares are reserved for making Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc.
Chateau de Nalys produces 2 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines and 2 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc wines.
Coinciding with the change in ownership to Guigal, the names and blends changed for the red and white wine of de Nalys starting with the 2016 vintage for the red wine, and 2017 for the white wine.
All work in the vineyards is 100% organic.
Chateau de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys is a blend of 69% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 4% Muscardin, 1% Counoise, 1% Mourvedre, though that can vary, depending on the vintage.
The terroir is from the Nalys, Bois Senechal and La Crau lieux-dits. The vines are on average about 45 years of age. The wines are vinified in stainless steel. For the aging, 90% of the wines are aged in stainless steel tanks, and 10% of the production is aged in old foudres.
Chateau de Nalys Grand Vin is usually a blend that averages close to 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 4% Counoise, and 1% Vacarese. Though it varies depending on the vintage. The vines are planted in 3 different terroirs.
You find red sandstone and sandy clay, with some limestone in the Nalys lieu-dit. In the Bois Senechal vineyard, you have small rocks, stones, and sand. In La Crau, where 50% of the vines are planted, the soils are large stones and rocks. The vies average 45 years of age.
The wine is aged for close to 20 months in demi-muids before bottling. Not much wine is made, as the average is only 400 cases per vintage.
Chateau de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys Blanc is produced from a blend of 36% Clairette, 29% Bourboulenc, 25% Grenache Blanc, 7% Roussanne, 3% Picardan. The wine is aged in 80% stainless steel, 20% in wood for 8 months.
Chateau de Nalys Grand Vin is a blend of 43% Roussanne, 33% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 6% Bourboulenc, and 3% Piquepoul. The vines are close to 50 years of age. The wine is vinified and aged for 8 months using 70% wood barrels and 30% stainless steel.
The following 3 red wines and one white wine are no longer being produced: Domaine de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve, Cuvee Chataignier, and de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc.
When to Drink Chateau de Nalys, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Chateau de Nalys can be enjoyed on the young side. Young vintages can be popped and poured, or decanted for about 1 hour, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.
Chateau de Nalys is usually better with 2-4 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages, the wine should be consumed within 4-14 years after the vintage.
Serving Chateau de Nalys with Wine, Food Pairing Tips
Chateau de Nalys is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.
Chateau de Nalys is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed dishes, sausage, barbecue, grilled meats, and cassoulet. Chateau de Nalys is also good with Asian dishes, and hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, cheese, pasta, eggplant, and tomatoes.
The white wine of Chateau de Nalys is best served with a myriad of different seafood dishes, shellfish, crab, lobster, sushi, sashimi, chicken, pork, and veal, as well as Asian cuisine.
Domaine de Nalys Wine Tasting Notes
29 Vintages 50,810 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating
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2021
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
With a hint of smoke, red fruits, spice, and underbrush, the wine is medium-bodied, forward, fresh, and fruity. With its early drinking approach, the wine is just great to taste today for all of its sweet red fruits and freshness. Drink from 2024-2029. 280 Views Tasted Jan 30, 2024 |
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2021
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Flowers and spice accompany the mango and peach notes on the nose and palate. The wine is fresh, and fruity, and will provide a lot of pleasure on release. Drink from 2023 - 2026. 297 Views Tasted Jan 30, 2024 |
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2020
Château de Nalys Grand Vin Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Flowers, and orange rind, with a touch of spice on the nose is what you find before getting to the lush, ripe, round, fresh parade of spicy fruits on the palate. Drink from 2022-2027. 827 Views Tasted Jan 27, 2023 |
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2020
Château de Nalys Grand Vin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Opulent, round, fresh and fleshy, there is an intriguing touch of cocoa that rides along with the layers of cherries, plums and black raspberries on the nose and palate. Lush, round and sweet on the palate, the wine leaves with your layers of dark red berries with a note of spearmint and a peppery edge in the finish. Drink from 2023 - 2034 900 Views Tasted Jan 27, 2023 |
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2020
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Honeysuckle, oysters shell, and a touch of tangerine on the nose lead you to the fruit-packed, round, easy to drink, fruity, bright, salty, white peach finish. Drink from 2023 - 2027. 663 Views Tasted Jan 27, 2023 |
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2020
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Soft, and round, the medium-bodied wine is loaded with sweet, ripe, cherries, olives and peppery spice and herbs on the nose and palate. You can enjoy this on release and over the next decade or longer. Drink from 2023-2031. 748 Views Tasted Jan 27, 2023 |
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2019
Château de Nalys Grand Vin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Black raspberry, flowers, pepper, and smoke create the nose. There is richness, roundness, and peppery red fruits in the elegant, vibrant finish. The wine blends 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. Drink from 2023 - 2034. 2,128 Views Tasted Oct 6, 2022Elegant, silky, lush and ripe, the wine almost overflows with notes of flowers, spice, dark and bright red fruits, kirsch and a background note of smoke. There is depth, richness and vibrancy as well, giving you balance, layers of fruit and a silky, refined, energetic, rich finish. The wine blends 65% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. Drink from 2023 - 2034 1,939 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2022 |
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2019
Château de Nalys Grand Vin Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Rich, opulent, and oily, with loads of fresh, juicy, sweet orange and yellow citrus that ends with a fruit-filled, creamy finish. Drink from 2022-2027. 1,339 Views Tasted Oct 6, 2022Tropical citrus fruits, flowers and spice with hints of orange peel create the nose. The wine is round, lush, fruity and fresh with a zesty, spicy, white peach and citrus finish. This is going to be delicious on release. Drink from 2022 - 2029 1,217 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2022 |
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2019
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Medium-bodied, soft, fresh and floral, with a nice spicy character to the red fruits in the palate and in the finish, you can enjoy this on release. The wine is made from a Grenache dominated blend with Mourvedre and various assorted allowable grape varieties. Drink from 2022 - 2030 1,923 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2022 |
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2019
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Spicy orange rind is the first thing you notice before discovering all the fresh lemons, flowers and pomelo. Crisp, juicy and fresh, the lusciously textured citrus and white peach on the palate tastes and feels great. Drink from 2022 - 2026 1,776 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2022 |
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2018
Château de Nalys Grand Vin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Lush, round, ripe, juicy and fruity, the wine explodes with waves of dark cherries, kirsch and cherry griotte. Richly textured with good concentration of flavor, followed by length and purity on the palate, this should age and evolve quite well. 2,157 Views Tasted Oct 12, 2020 |
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2018
Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
With good concentration, depth of flavor, richness and lift, the wine is full-bodied, fruity, fresh and filled with sweet, dark red fruits, cherries, herbs and earth. The wine is made from a Grenache dominated blend with Mourvedre and various assorted allowable grape varieties. 1,803 Views Tasted Oct 12, 2020 |
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2017
Château de Nalys Grand Vin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Concentrated, ripe, spicy, sweet red fruits, black pepper, allspice and herbs get the wine started. There is density and fruit on the palate with a boatload of spice in the finish. Give it another year or two before pulling a cork. 2,892 Views Tasted Aug 14, 2021 |
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2016
Domaine de Nalys Reserve (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Rich, with layers of smoke filled, ripe, sweet, polished, fresh red fruits. Cherries and plums are all over the place, with peppery, mineral driven accents. The wine is quite full bodied, due to the nature of it being dominated by Syrah. Give this some time in the cellar to show its best. 1,757 Views Tasted Sep 18, 2018 |
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2016
Domaine de Nalys Le Châtaignier (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Full, rich, deep and concentrated, there is intensity, purity, freshness and vibrancy that keeps this going from the initial sniff and sip, through to the finish. The wine is made from a Grenache dominated blend with Mourvedre and various assorted allowable grape varieties. 1,537 Views Tasted Sep 18, 2018 |
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2016
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Loaded with ripe, spicy, sweet, luscious, rich, red fruits that come with nuances of herbs, lavender and kirsch. The wine is silky, fresh and loaded with red fruits from start to finish. 3,002 Views Tasted Sep 18, 2018 |
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2015
Domaine de Nalys Reserve (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Dark in color, smoke, incense and spice are the first things that greet you. From there you move to the dark cherry side of life. There is a tannic backbone here, due to the reliance of Syrah that means you will need to age this wine for at least a few years, before the freshness and sweet, red fruits are further developed. Made with a blend of 73% Syrah, 18% Grenache and 9% Mourvedre. 1,453 Views Tasted Aug 21, 2017 |
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2015
Domaine de Nalys Le Châtaignier (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
The wine opens with a touch of smoke before moving to its spicy, red fruit side. Medium bodied, soft, forward and supple, the fruit is ripe, fresh and clean, leaving you with fresh, juicy kirsch and thyme on your palate. The wine is made from a blend of 91% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre and 1% assorted allowable grape varieties. 1,338 Views Tasted Aug 21, 2017 |
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2015
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Fresh, peppery, smoky red fruits with a blast of garrigue to make and keep things interesting. Medium bodied, soft and forward, the cherry filled center of fruit is not hard to find. 2,412 Views Tasted Aug 21, 2017 |
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2014
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Medium bodied, smooth, lighter, refreshing, style of wine with an elegant, sweet, polished core of fresh cherries in the center that is already delicious to drink. 1,563 Views Tasted Jun 23, 2016 |
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2013
Domaine de Nalys Le Châtaignier (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Medium bodied, soft, supple textured and a fresh, ripe, sweet, purity of fruit, which leaves with a good impression. Made from a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre. 1,214 Views Tasted Sep 7, 2015 |
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2013
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Medium bodied, soft, forward and flavorful, at the center of this wine you'll find tasty, fresh red cherries with an olive accent. 3,062 Views Tasted Sep 7, 2015 |
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2013
Domaine de Nalys Reserve (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Spicy, smoky, earthy, peppery, dark red fruits make up this solid wine. Made with a blend of 73% Syrah, 18% Grenache and 9% Mourvedre. 1,484 Views Tasted Sep 7, 2015 |
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2011
Domaine de Nalys Le Châtaignier (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Better on the garrigue, earth, pepper and red fruit nose than the medium bodied, red berry finish. From a blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre, the wine reached 15% ABV. 1,383 Views Tasted Aug 26, 2014 |
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2011
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Earthy dark cherries, polished textures and a spicy, peppery finish. 2,252 Views Tasted Aug 19, 2014 |
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2010
Domaine de Nalys Reserve (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Spicy, soft, open and forward with an array of red and black fruits. This traditional wine has an un-traditional blend as it’s produced with perhaps the highest proportion of Syrah in Chateauneuf du Pape at close to 70% of the blend. 2,518 Views Tasted May 31, 2013 |
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2010
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Light, polished, spicy, and focused on red cherries with fresh strawberry, this is best enjoyed in its youth. 2,613 Views Tasted May 29, 2013 |
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1979
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Well past its prime, the wine is tart, overly acidic. Much better on the nose than the palate, there is not much here. 1,177 Views Tasted Apr 16, 2016 |
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1978
Domaine de Nalys (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Served double blind, I was blown away to find this wine was almost 40 years of age! Still going strong, the lusty, kirsch, pepper and garrigue on the nose was just as strong as the rich, lusty, spicy, ripe fruits and earth in the finish. 1,156 Views Tasted Apr 16, 2016 |
