The history of Château La Nerthe

A centuries-old heritage dedicated to excellence

The history of Château La Nerthe dates back to the 12th century, when vines were already being cultivated on its land. However, it was primarily in the 16th century that the estate flourished, when the Tulle de Villefranche family developed the property and transformed it into a renowned vineyard. From the 17th century onwards, La Nerthe acquired an international reputation, exporting its wines as far as Northern Europe and Russia. The estate also made its mark on the appellation's history by being one of the pioneers of estate bottling, a guarantee of quality and traceability.

Over the centuries, several families have succeeded one another, each contributing to preserving the identity and renown of the château. Prosperous periods alternate with more difficult times, particularly during wars, but the vineyard always manages to revive itself thanks to the commitment of its owners and the unique reputation of its terroir.

Since the late 20th century, Château La Nerthe has belonged to the Richard Group, which has undertaken to modernize the production facilities while respecting traditional methods. This fundamental work has allowed the château to maintain its position among the leading estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Buying a Château La Nerthe wine means becoming part of a centuries-old story, built on passion, exacting standards, and respect for the terroir.

The vineyard and terroir of Château La Nerthe

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an exceptional terroir in the Rhône Valley

The Château La Nerthe vineyard covers over 90 hectares in a single block, making it one of the largest estates in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Situated on terraces of rounded pebbles, these famous "pebbles," typical of the region, absorb the sun's heat during the day and release it at night, promoting optimal grape ripening. This exceptional terroir, combined with the influence of the Mistral wind, which purifies the vines, produces wines of great aromatic richness and remarkable intensity.

The estate cultivates almost all the grape varieties permitted by the appellation, with Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre predominating for the reds, complemented by Cinsault and Counoise. For the whites, Roussanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc play a significant role, allowing for the production of wines that are both powerful and elegant.

For many years, Château La Nerthe has been committed to environmentally friendly viticulture, certified organic. Cultivation practices prioritize the natural balance of the soil and biodiversity, guaranteeing healthy and expressive grapes. The harvest is carried out by hand to ensure rigorous selection, picking only perfectly ripe bunches.

This approach gives Château La Nerthe wines a strong identity: controlled power, aromatic freshness, and rare depth. Buying a Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine means acquiring the purest expression of a historic terroir in the Rhône Valley.

The winemaking process and the typicity of La Nerthe wines

Between tradition and innovation for exceptional wines

Winemaking at Château La Nerthe relies on time-honored techniques combined with modern equipment, allowing the richness of the terroir to be fully expressed. After meticulous sorting, the grapes are vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. Long maceration periods promote gentle tannin extraction and enhance the complexity of the aromas.

The wines are then aged in oak casks and barrels, depending on the vintage, for 12 to 18 months. This stage adds structure and roundness to the wines without masking the fruity and spicy expression of the grape varieties. The white wines, however, benefit from partial aging in barrels to preserve their mineral tension while gaining in volume and complexity.

The wines of Château La Nerthe are distinguished by their elegance and depth. The reds offer an aromatic profile marked by ripe black fruits, spices, and sometimes notes of truffle or leather after a few years of aging. The whites, though less common, are appealing for their freshness, smoothness, and floral and fruity aromas. Their aging potential is also remarkable, with some vintages evolving beautifully for over ten years.

Buying a Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine means choosing iconic wines from the Rhône Valley, combining generosity, finesse, and authenticity. Whether for an amateur seeking a great wine for aging or for a passionate wine lover wanting to discover the noblest expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château La Nerthe is an essential reference.