Wines Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château La Nerthe - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château La Nerthe 2020 is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, located in the southern Rhône Valley. Typically, reds from this appellation are blends, most commonly dominated by Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre frequently present to add depth and complexity. The 2020 vintage enjoyed favourable climatic conditions, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, lending the wine generous concentration and aromatic intensity. The terroir here is famous for its galets roulés—large, rounded pebbles that retain heat and help grapes mature fully. Vinification at Château La Nerthe is traditionally meticulous, marrying modern techniques with respect for the estate’s long heritage, resulting in wines with remarkable harmony, structure, and cellaring potential.

The southern Rhône region, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape in particular, benefits from a classic Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Mistral wind, characteristic of the area, helps keep the vineyards healthy by reducing humidity and disease pressure. The soil composition is varied, but the famous galets roulés provide excellent drainage and influence the ripening pattern of the grapes. Historically, Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been an emblematic name in French wine, elevated in the 14th century when the papal court established residence in nearby Avignon. The wines from this region have retained their prestige thanks to stringent regulations and a commitment to traditional winemaking.

For food pairings, this Château La Nerthe 2020 will shine alongside robust, flavourful dishes. Think of slow-cooked lamb shank with herbes de Provence, duck breast served with a dark fruit sauce, or a classic beef daube Provençale. Regional favourites like ratatouille or roast pigeon with black olives will complement the wine’s savoury notes and complex palate. Cheese lovers might pair it with aged Comté or mature goat cheese for a beautiful balance of flavours.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it at 16-18°C. If approaching the wine young, decanting for an hour will enhance its aromatic profile and soften the tannins, allowing its intricate bouquet of dark berries, spices, and subtle herbal notes to emerge beautifully.