Château La Nerthe

Château La Nerthe stands apart as a founding estate of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, established in 1936. The property's viticultural history stretches back to 1560, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wine estates in the southern Rhône. The current château building dates to 1736. In 1782, the estate became the first in the region to bottle its wines rather than ship them in barrel, a practice it had pioneered as early as 1776. The Richard family has owned and directed the property since 1985.

• Vineyard history dates to 1560, château constructed in 1736
• First estate in the appellation to bottle wines (1782)
• Founding member of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC at its creation in 1936
• Richard family ownership began in 1985

The estate covers 92 hectares of vineyards divided into 57 individual parcels, reflecting the mosaic of soils and subsoils characteristic of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Soil types range from the famous galets, the large round stones that radiate heat and aid ripening, to clay, sandy, and rocky substrates. The Mediterranean climate delivers warm, sunny growing seasons. Natural springs on the property provide a unique element within this generally dry region. Many vines exceed 40 years of age, with some dating to the late 1800s.

• 92 hectares across 57 parcels with galets, clay, sandy, and rocky soils
• Mediterranean warm climate with natural springs on the property
• Old vines throughout, some planted in the late 19th century
• Soil mosaic contributes to complexity in both red and white wines

Château La Nerthe cultivates a broad range of both red and white grape varieties, reflecting the full palette permitted within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Red wines are typically blended from approximately 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 25% Mourvèdre, with Cinsault, Counoise, and Carignan also grown on the estate. This Syrah-forward approach is relatively distinctive for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where Grenache more commonly dominates. White wines draw on Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, and Terret, producing elegant, aromatic expressions.

• Red blend: approximately 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre
• Syrah-dominant red blend sets the estate apart from many Grenache-led peers
• White varieties include Roussanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, and Terret
• Produces both full-bodied red blends and elegant white wines

Château La Nerthe has a track record of firsts in the appellation. The estate pioneered the adoption of grafted phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, helping to address the devastating vine louse crisis that swept Europe in the 19th century. More recently, the estate converted to certified organic farming and has held that certification since 1998, making it one of the earliest adopters of organic viticulture in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

• Pioneered grafted phylloxera-resistant rootstocks in the region
• Certified organic since 1998, among the appellation's first to achieve this
• Natural springs on the estate support sustainable farming practices
• Long history of setting viticultural precedents for the wider appellation