Guigal expands Chateauneuf holdings

One of the leading Rhône négociant houses, Guigal, has acquired a second estate in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Les Clefs d’Or.

Guigal bought its first estate in the famous AOC, the historic Château de Nalys, in 2017. The 50 hectare estate came with vines in some of the area’s most sought-after sites but prior to its acquisition by Guigal, the quality of its output was not held in very high regard after years of misguided management.

Philippe Guigal said at the time there was much at the property he “hated” and that a lot of work was required to bring it up to the standard he wanted.

Clearly much has been achieved in the last three years, to the extent that the family have added a further 35ha to its Chateauneuf holdings through the acquisition of Domaine Les Clefs d’Or.

According to Wine Spectator, Guigal was looking for more vines in the lieu-dit of La Crau, which is a site he particularly likes and over half of Les Clefs d’Or’s holdings are located there, right next to those already part of Nalys.

In addition, one plot of Grenache is reportedly very old, originally planted in 1896.

The grapes from Les Clefs d’Or will be folded into the production from Nalys from this vintage onwards.