Château La Nerthe - Les Clavelles - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Château La Nerthe is part of the historical heritage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where its presence has been documented since 1560. Its vast vineyard constitutes a true mosaic of terroirs, with soils of sand, clay, limestone, and rolled pebbles that allow the estate to express different facets of the appellation. Certified organic since 1998, the property places essential importance on parcel work and the search for balance. Les Clavelles is precisely born from this approach: a cuvée from a single parcel dedicated exclusively to Grenache Noir. It is located on the western slope of the famous La Crau plateau, at the intersection of the lieux-dits La Crau Sud and La Font du Loup. The vines, averaging over 85 years old, benefit from a slight southwest-facing slope, late afternoon sun, and the refreshing influence of the mistral wind. On this terroir, Grenache retains all its Mediterranean depth but especially develops remarkable finesse and freshness.
Les Clavelles 2016 is made 100% from Grenache Noir, hand-harvested and carefully sorted upon arrival at the winery. The grapes are whole-cluster fermented in wooden vats, a decisive choice in the personality of this cuvée. Fermentation is accompanied by daily punch-downs and pump-overs, while maceration lasts about three weeks. The goal is to gradually build structure while preserving the tannic finesse of Grenache. The aging then lasts twelve months, with 70% in old barrels and 30% in large wooden vats, to refine the wine without masking the fruit or the parcel's personality. The 2016 vintage benefited from a mild winter, sufficiently rainy spring, and a hot, dry summer, allowing perfectly ripe and healthy grapes. This combination of old vines, whole-cluster harvest, and measured aging gives birth to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that is both deep and remarkably elegant.
Today, Les Clavelles 2016 shows a ruby robe with garnet hues and a complex bouquet dominated by ripe strawberry, cherry, and sweet spices. Sandalwood, orange peel, and delicate garrigue nuances gradually enrich the whole upon aeration. The palate has beautiful density but without the heaviness that Grenache can sometimes take under the southern climate. The whole-cluster harvest brings length and freshness, while the fine and silky tannins structure the wine with great precision. After ten years of evolution, the fruit begins to merge with more complex notes of spices, undergrowth, and dry herbs, while retaining remarkable energy. The finish is long, fresh, and delicately spiced, with this alliance of depth and finesse that is the signature of Les Clavelles. At the table, this cuvée will pair particularly well with braised beef, roasted rack of lamb, pigeon with mushrooms, or a slowly roasted veal cut.
Grape variety: 100% Grenache Noir
