For five centuries, the history of Château La Nerthe and Châteauneuf-du-Pape have melded into one. For five centuries, natural springs and a mosaic of soils and subsoils have given the estate’s wines freshness and elegance. For five centuries, generations of passionate women and men have followed one other at the service of this unique terroir.
After leaving Châteauneuf-du-Pape, head south about 2 km, then go up the alley that winds between vines, evergreen oaks, cypresses, and olive trees to Château La Nerthe, nestled among majestic plane trees and hundred-year-old pines.
To the west, the Rhône as it continues its course towards the Mediterranean, less than 100km to the south.
To the east is Mont Ventoux, the giant of Provence from the top of its 1912 m.
To the south, Avignon city of the Popes.
To the north, Orange, a Roman town with its ancient theater and Roman triumphal arch.
The first deed attesting to the existence of Château La Nerthe was signed on November 25, 1590, with its acquisition by the Tulle de Villefranche family. It was then a country house known as the Grange de Beauvenir. Over the next three centuries, the Tulle de Villefranche never stopped developing and beautifying their estate. Marquis Jean-Dominique Tulle de Villefranche (1711-1760) completed making it one of the flagship estates of the Rhône Valley by launching the castle's construction on the foundations of the medieval cellar. They innovated in the vineyard and the wine cellar, for example, shipping bottled wines starting in 1776, a first for the region. The Tulle de Villefranche were also tireless travelers and ambassadors for their wines, ensuring early on that they would adorn the best tables in France, Europe, and even in North America from 1786! A tradition that we are proud to continue three centuries later.
