Château La Nerthe: The Soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Along a shaded path in Provence, where the sun bathes the hills of the southern Rhône Valley in golden light, stands an estate steeped in history, a guardian of centuries-old winemaking expertise: Château La Nerthe. More than just a wine estate, it embodies the very soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with its 92 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, its medieval château, its 16th-century cellars, and above all, its wines of rare nobility.

An Almost Millennial History

The earliest trace of Château La Nerthe dates back to the 12th century. When the Popes of Avignon chose Châteauneuf-du-Pape as their summer residence, they brought unprecedented momentum to local viticulture. It was in this prestigious context that the La Nerthe vineyard was born. Over the centuries, various owners succeeded one another, each contributing to the refinement of the estate’s wine quality and reputation.

One of the key figures in the estate’s history is Commandant Joseph Ducos. In the 19th century, as phylloxera devastated the region’s vineyards, he introduced the principle of “multi-varietal planting” and catalogued the 13 grape varieties still authorized today in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. A foundational legacy for the entire appellation.

In 1985, the Richard family took over the estate. The arrival of Christian Vœux, former technical director of Château Mont-Redon, marked a turning point: La Nerthe entered a new era, combining precision, modernity, and deep respect for its heritage.

An Exceptional Terroir: The Secret Behind Great Wines

The rolled pebbles, emblematic of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, blanket the terraces of La Crau where the vineyard flourishes. These stones absorb heat during the day and release it at night, promoting optimal ripening of the grapes. The soil combines marl, sand, and clay, creating a mosaic of terroirs that the estate’s winegrowers skillfully read and interpret to perfection.

La Nerthe’s vineyard also benefits from a remarkable microclimate: over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, regular winds like the mistral that naturally keep the vines healthy, and moderate rainfall. All the conditions are in place to produce wines of great ripeness, with a perfect balance between richness and freshness.

A Committed Approach to Organic Viticulture

Since 1998, Château La Nerthe has been certified organic. No herbicides, no synthetic pesticides are used. Only minimal amounts of sulfur and copper are applied to protect the vines. Soil is carefully tended, and the harvest is done entirely by hand, with a hundred pickers selecting only grapes at optimal ripeness.

Respect for the environment goes hand in hand with a constant focus on quality. Yields are deliberately low (25 to 30 hl/ha), ensuring maximum aromatic concentration. The vines, some of which are over a hundred years old, produce little but offer the very best of themselves.

Grape Varieties: A Mastered Diversity

The estate grows all 13 grape varieties authorized by the AOC. For reds: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Muscardin, Terret Noir. For whites: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Picardan.

This diversity allows for blends of rare complexity, where each grape brings its own character: Grenache for roundness and red fruit, Syrah for spice and color, Mourvèdre for structure, Roussanne for aromatic finesse, Clairette for freshness…

The Art of Vinification and Ageing

Vinification at Château La Nerthe is based on a careful balance between tradition and innovation. The red wines are made from destemmed grapes, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts between 18 and 25 days, with gentle punch-downs and pump-overs to extract substance without harshness.

The white grapes are gently pressed, sometimes after skin maceration. Part of the juice is fermented in oak barrels, the other in stainless steel tanks, to preserve tension and freshness. Malolactic fermentation is avoided for the whites to maintain their vibrancy.

Ageing is tailored to each grape variety: 228-liter barrels, demi-muids, truncated stone vats or stainless steel tanks. Grenache, being delicate and prone to oxidation, is aged in tank to preserve its purity. The wines are matured for 12 months, followed by a meticulous blending process and bottling at the estate.

The Cuvées of Château La Nerthe

An Exceptional Cellar

The estate’s historic cellars, carved into the rock in the 16th century and expanded in the 18th, still house barrels and large oak casks today. Gothic vaulted ceilings, safre stone walls, and natural humidity all contribute to the slow, harmonious ageing of the wines.

A hidden treasure lies within: an exceptional collection of old vintages, carefully preserved as witnesses to the estate’s rich history. Visiting the cellars of Château La Nerthe is a journey through time, where heritage meets oenological excellence.

Tasting and food pairing

La Nerthe’s red wines reveal deep aromas of black cherry, garrigue, sweet spices, and cocoa. On the palate, they are full-bodied and structured, with a long, silky finish. Their ageing potential often exceeds 20 years.

The whites, more rare, reveal aromas of white flowers, citrus, almond, and honey. On the palate, they combine richness and freshness, with a beautiful minerality.

These wines pair beautifully with refined dishes: game, roasted meats, truffles, aged cheeses, sauced fish, or Provençal cuisine.

An Invitation to Discovery

Each sip transports us to the heart of sun-drenched vineyards, where the vines stretch as far as the eye can see, bathed in the golden light of southern France. The rich, complex aromas that unfold in the glass evoke memories of ripe fruit, delicate spices, and fertile earth.

For wine lovers, La Nerthe’s cuvées are treasured cellar companions, evolving beautifully over time, gaining finesse, depth, and emotion. Yet they are also wines to enjoy today, for their generosity and elegance.

The estate offers guided tours that reveal its cellars, vineyards, and rich history. A captivating immersion into a world of tradition, innovation, and passion.

Conclusion: The Nobility of a Great Terroir

Château La Nerthe embodies the soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Through its history, its terroir, its commitment to quality, and its iconic wines, it stands among the greatest names in the Rhône Valley. Each bottle tells a story — of a place, a climate, and the human hand that shapes the vine with patience and respect.

Between silkiness, power, and freshness, La Nerthe’s wines are a true celebration of the winemaking art. To discover, to share, to collect.