Viniou Reviews
Château La Nerthe’s Cuvée Les Granières 2020 is a distinguished red blend originating from the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in the southern Rhône Valley. As is traditional in the region, this wine is likely composed of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and possibly Cinsault, offering a classic southern Rhône profile. The 2020 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape was marked by a hot, dry summer resulting in low yields but concentrating both flavour and structure in the grapes. Château La Nerthe is known for its commitment to quality and authenticity, vinifying with a delicate hand to preserve the natural expression of the terroir. The resulting wine is typically deep in colour, exuding aromas of ripe blackberries, red plums, Provençal herbs, liquorice and peppery spice, underscored by supple tannins and a lingering finish.
The southern Rhône boasts a rich viticultural heritage, with centuries of history since papal times and a Mediterranean climate that brings ample sun and warm days contrasted by cool Mistral winds. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is particularly iconic, marked by its galets roulés—large, heat-retaining pebbles scattered across clay-limestone soils—which aid grape ripening and contribute to the complexity and power of the wines. This region is celebrated for producing red wines of depth, structure, and remarkable ageing potential, with personality imparted by the diverse mosaic of vineyard plots.
Pairing Les Granières 2020 with food highlights its versatility and regional character. Enjoy it alongside grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, classic ratatouille, or a slow-cooked wild boar stew—a nod to local Provençal cuisine. Hard cheeses such as aged Comté or a fine Tomme de Savoie will also complement its bold profile.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. A brief decanting of an hour will allow the aromas to open and the tannins to soften, especially while the wine is youthful. Expect further complexity to emerge with cellaring over the next five to eight years.
