Rotem and Mounir Saouma
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso 2015
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Mounir Saouma’s story in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape started with a state sale of a small plot in Pignan, one of the most famous vineyard areas of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Within this first vineyard acquisition, Mounir has one plot of 100% Grenache planted in the 1930s which yields naturally at a miniscule 1 ton per acre. From these vines he produces Arioso.
In the northeast of the appellation facing “the giant of Provence”, the massive Mont Ventoux mountain”, Pignan’s exposure brings freshness to the natural high ripeness achieved in this area. The rocky and sandy soils of this original plot add a sense of elegance. When you start tasting you understand why some have compared his wines to the great Rayas wines of the 1980s or, perhaps as expected given Mounir’s renown as owner and winemaker of Lucien Le Moine, to Burgundy. The sheer density of the low yielding, old vines dances with the freshness and elegance provided by the site. On the label is aptly explained: “Arioso is a style of opera somewhere between an aria and a recital. We chose this name for our wine because it is evocative of both the ethereal and profound”.
Vineyard
The small 100% plot of Grenache Noir planted in the 1930s produces bunches that have very few and small grapes, and are widely spaced. The yields are dramatically low as a result, but the grapes are very healthy due to the spacing, and the concentration from the low vigour and the age of the vines is intense.
Winemaking
The wine vinifies with whole clusters after an 11 day cold maceration, and then spends 3 years in 228 and 500 liter barrels, never racked or sulfured.
Vintage Note
After the moderately wet 2014 vintage, 2015 was a relief, with hot, dry weather predominating. Drought conditions slowed maturity while raising sugar levels, and a burst of rain in August caused acid levels to drop. The powerful reds are rich and tannic wines that will take some time to smooth out and unfold. The white can be heady. Here again, Mounir’s approach handled the vintage perfectly, and he focused on moderate extraction, producing red wines of elegance and detail. His whites are more ‘Meursault’ than ‘Puligny’ in this vintage – rich and savory.
Tasting Note
100% Grenache from a tiny parcel in the lieu-dit Pignan, the 2015 Arioso overwhelms the senses, with its deep and immediate fruit covering the substantial structure. The whole cluster vinification has given the wine a transparency which balances the material density of the vintage. Immediately accessible due to its depth of fruit, the 2015 will age effortlessly for a generation.
Color
Red
Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Reviews
"Superb detail and back-end thrust"
Vinous - January 21, 2020 "Saturated, bright-rimmed red. A highly fragrant, complex nose evokes ripe red and dark berries, pungent flowers and exotic spices and a smoky mineral overtone adds vivacious lift. Juicy and concentrated in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet cherry preserve, Chambord, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show superb detail and back-end thrust. Closes gently chewy, sweet and wonderfully long, with building tannins adding shape and final grip."
"Stunning display of fruit"
Wine Spectator - December 15, 2020 "A stunning display of fruit, with a seamless and beguiling show of açaí, raspberry, plum and blackberry puree notes gliding through in lockstep. Light anise, black tea and incense elements weave around while the finish is pulled along by a mouthwatering combo of shiso leaf and iron details, with the fruit easily keeping pace. Approachable now because of the fruit, but this will cellar well for some time."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Inopia Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Rouge
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The Saouma’s purchased a desolate plot of land in Orange in 2011. A minimal intervention approach combined with the image of the original barren land inspired the name of the wine, INOPIA, which translates to “made from nothing” in Latin.
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Another unsurprising but jawdropping discovery when encountering the Saouma wines: Magis, Mounir’s white Chateauneuf from the heavily limestone Pierredon vineyard in Bedarrides. It makes sense that a producer of great white Burgundy would quickly become enchanted by the possibilities here. Only 3% of Chateauneuf is white, and virtually all of it is bottled after 6 months. Mounir’s chateauneuf is aged 18-24 months and has already been compared to some of the great white Burgundy crus for its depth and minerality.
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