Château de Nalys
Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Translated as “holy stones,” Saintes Pierres de Nalys takes its name from both the ancient geology of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the history embedded in this landscape. It is the second red wine of Château de Nalys, and a deliberately different expression from the Grand Vin. Where the Grand Vin draws on the full depth and structure of the estate, Saintes Pierres prioritizes freshness, directness, and approachable pleasure. Different varietal selections and plot compositions, combined with vinification entirely in stainless steel and foudres, produce a wine of red fruits, supple tannins, and brightness that can be enjoyed young without sacrificing the character and complexity that define Nalys.
VINEYARD
Saintes Pierres de Nalys is produced from three exceptional terroirs within the Château de Nalys estate. “Nalys” contributes 33% of the blend, with red sandstone soils typical of the Comtat and Saffres. “Bois Sénéchal” and “La Crau” account for 33% and 34% respectively, both composed of the ancient alluvial stones deposited by the Rhône: the famous galets roulés. Vines average 45 years of age across these sites, with yields of approximately 35 hectoliters per hectare.
WINEMAKING
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before vinification in thermoregulated tanks at 28 to 30°C. Fermentation lasts approximately four weeks. The wine is then aged primarily in stainless steel for 18 months, with 10% spending time in foudres, before 6 months in concrete.
VINTAGE
2020 was a balanced and harmonious year in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A rainy winter replenished soil reserves depleted in the scorching 2019 season. Mild spring temperatures triggered an early bud break, with healthy flowering in mid-May. Summer was warm and dry without the extreme heat of 2019, allowing Grenache to ripen slowly and evenly. Light September rains hastened phenolic maturation, and harvest continued stress-free through mid-October.
TASTING NOTE
Deep, dark red. Intense aromas of red and black berries with spice on the nose. Full-bodied and polished on the palate, with silky tannins, notes of black plum, cedar, and clove, finishing on warm earth and stone.
FOOD PAIRING
Charcuterie, herb-crusted rack of lamb, braised red meats, spring lamb stew, aged cheeses
Color
Red
Blend %
65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Others, 5% Muscardin
Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Alcohol
15.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$78.99
Reviews
Wine Spectator - March 31, 2024 "Alluring, with a svelte mix of cherry coulis, red licorice and mulling spices that are nicely rendered and textured on the palate. Gilded with apple wood smoke and grilled herbs on the lengthy finish, this is drinking beautifully now."
Vinous - April 1, 2023 "Matured for 18 months in a combination of foudre, demi-muids and concrete tanks, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Saintes Pierres de Nalys comes in at 15.5% alcohol. It displays fragrant aromas of rose water, blood orange, raspberry, licorice, dried herbs and a refreshingly minty twist. It is a full-bodied and concentrated red, enveloped in ripe tannins, concluding with good persistence on the sapid finish."
James Suckling - July 18, 2024 "Ripe and generous with plenty of ripe cherry and pomegranate fruit. The crisp tannins and acidity lift the widescreen palate very neatly. Long, clean finish."
Wine Advocate - November 20, 2025 "The most reductive of Guigal’s Southern Rhône offerings, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Saintes Pierres opens with aromas of peonies, dark berries, cherries and sweet flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and supple, it’s framed by a fine chassis of ripe tannins and a fleshy core of fruit, concluding with a long, graceful and gently ethereal finish."
Trade Materials
Videos
Saintes Pierres de Nalys Rouge
August 16, 2019 - This informational video demonstrates the various geographical location of Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge vineyards.
Other Wines by this Producer
Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The second white wine to the Chateau de Nalys Grand Vin Blanc has a character all its own, with a strongly different varietal and plot composition, and like its red Saintes Pierres counterpart, a fermentation, and aging geared towards emphasizing freshness. The hallmark seamlessness of Guigal's white wines is especially evident in this wine, which is unlike any Chateauneuf white we have experienced in its grace and lift.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Guigal's mastery of growing and producing white wine varieties in the Rhone Valley is exemplified in this wine of immense breadth and power, elegance and expression. Intensely aromatic nose of white flowers, citrus and a touch of vanilla, on the palate the presence is undeniably penetrating, with a deep minerality joining the notes above.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The realization of the Guigal family's dream of Chateauneuf-du-Pape: 3 extraordinary vineyards coming together in an intensely expressive, utterly complete wine. It defines the estate style with a precision of fruit, spice and mineral structures and, notably, a beautifully composed structure that builds and unfolds.