We were called to babysitting duty for Alec & Vivianna for a special event night out in the city. As has become somewhat customary, they ordered in pizza and pasta from their local neighborhood pizza house. I brought from the home cellar a big red ‘pizza wine’.
This Les Granières de La Nerthe is the “second” wine of Château La Nerthe, made from younger vines from the Estate.
I note that I visited the historic Château La Nerthe (right) during my Châteauneuf-du-Pape tour back in 1998, so I follow and collect this producer's wine.
When I first discovered this second label of La Nerthe in our market back in 2013, I admit I was a bit disappointed by it, perhaps due to my lofty expectations, or hopes.
This Chateau La Nerthe Les Granieres is from a producer we visited together during our Southern Rhône wine experience featured in this blogpost A visit to Château La Nerthe.
I’ve discussed earlier vintages of this wine in this post, Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Granières de la Nerthe 2013, excerpted below.
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Granières de la Nerthe 2019
This Les Granières de La Nerthe is the “second” wine of Château La Nerthe, made from younger vines from the Estate.
This is a Rhone style blend of the designated sanctioned varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (often referred to as ‘GSM’ in other regions), Cinsault, and several others. This particular vintage release is a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 10% Mourvedre.
While these are the typical primary varietals of a CDP, it should be noted that the Châteauneuf-du-Papeappellation rules allow for up to thirteen specified varietals to be included in the blend. Their second label is aged for a shorter period of just 6 months in a combination of cement vats and larger oak foudre that results in a more fruit forward style of Châteauneuf.
I note that I visited the historic Château La Nerthe (right) during my Châteauneuf-du-Pape tour back in 1998, so I follow and collect this producer's wine.Château La Nerthe have been producing wines at the Estate since 1560. The label seemed to disappear from our market for a couple years several years ago, and I was happy to see it reappear on the shelves at Binny's, our local wine merchant.
That said, for a while, their premier label Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is now at a new price point at $100 per bottle, significantly higher than what I would consider to be comparable benchmark wines such as Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape or Chateau Vieux Telegraph. I should note it was reduced to a sale price to be more comparable to those other labels. I purchased some at the lower price which has since normalized back to its customary price point.
That said, for a while, their premier label Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is now at a new price point at $100 per bottle, significantly higher than what I would consider to be comparable benchmark wines such as Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape or Chateau Vieux Telegraph. I should note it was reduced to a sale price to be more comparable to those other labels. I purchased some at the lower price which has since normalized back to its customary price point.
At about half the price of the gran vin, however, Les Granières de La Nerthe does offer CDP at a more affordable QPR (quality price ratio). These are two other Estates that I visited during this trip that I also collect for our cellar. Interestingly, the 2015 Beaucastel contains all thirteen of the CDP grape varietals.
When I first discovered this second label of La Nerthe in our market back in 2013, I admit I was a bit disappointed by it, perhaps due to my lofty expectations, or hopes.
I’m glad to see this later release was much better, more in line with what might expect from a similarly situated wine.
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Granières de la Nerthe 2019
I’m glad to see this later release was much better, more in line with what might expect from a similarly situated wine.
Winemaker Notes - “The aromas of cherry and blackcurrant are balanced by sweet spices including cinnamon. The elegant cherry continues on the palate, supported by fine tannins and a long, refreshing finish.”
This release was rated 91 points by Wine Spectator and 90 points by Decanter.
This was a perfect accompaniment to the hearty pizza and pasta.
Bright ruby colored, medium bodied, bright vibrant black currant, raspberry and blackberry fruits with notes of anise, herbs, sweet spices, hints of pepper and tobacco with tangy acidity on a long lingering modest tannin laced finish.
RM 90 points.
