Decanter published its 2020 vintage report on the Southern Rhône and top scoring bottle recommendations, including Château de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc and Rotem & Mounir Saouma Amphore Bigot. The report notes that the conditions echo those in the North, “with wines being fairly accessible with young and white wines being particularly exceptional.”
The full report delves into harvest season in detail, and features quotes from winemakers in the region.
As one of the top rated wines tasted with 95 points, the critic notes that the oak is present and integrated in the Nalys Gran Vin Blanc, “but not excessive and it doesn’t rub out the fine definition and terroir expression. Long and straight, this is bold but drinkable, with a good sense of fluidity and freshness to the wine, but enough salt and extract to age well. The wines from Nalys are improving quickly, which is not surprising given the quality of the terroir: Bois Sénéchaux, la Crau and Grand Pierre.”
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Amphore Bigot, honored with 97 points, is an experiment ‘to see how people made wine in antiquity,’ says Mounier Saouma. The process, “from lieu-dit Bois de la Ville, made in unwaxed clay amphora, whole clusters spending 12 months inside, then pressed to stainless steel for four months before bottling. Very cloudy, yet to be settled, it possesses licorice and cherry, extraordinary tension, intensity, incredible freshness and texture. An early stage to make a judgement on the wine, but this looks very interesting indeed.”
Read additional notes and the full report HERE