Wine Spectator has named Château de Nalys Gran Vin Rouge 2018 its #10 wine of the year, a huge honor and accolade for the Guigal family! For many people, the Guigal name is synonymous with the Northern Rhône, but many people do not realize that the family has had its eye on the Southern Rhône for more than 20 years and purchased Domaine de Nalys in 2017, following an extensive search.
This accolade is especially significant because, as Senior Editor James Molesworth explains, “the 2018 vintage is [the second] under the control of the Guigal family, and Philippe has made some changes. Among them is harvesting by vine age rather than strictly by parcel, using smaller vats to accommodate smaller vinification lots, and extending the élevage to upwards of 20 months. The 2018 is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Muscardin.”
In a very short time the Guigals have not only managed to turn this property around but also, in only their second vintage in full control of vineyard and vinification, to produce a wine which has been recognized as world class. Amazing, but perhaps not surprising for the Guigals.
Listen to James Molesworth speak in greater detail about this estate and wine, and read the review in Wine Spectator (HERE)
