Rotem & Mounir Saouma | Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Rotem & Mounir Saouma, owners of stellar Burgundy micro-négociant Lucien Le Moine, have developed their own estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape by acquiring a few hectares of vineyards of their own. Mounir’s philosophy here is relatively straightforward. He has worked to improve drainage in his vineyards, works with organic manures, and doesn’t mind the low yields he is getting in his plots. From the initial 5 acres they purchased in Pignan, Mounir has been able to acquire additional vineyards, and today farms a total of 21 acres across 8 vineyards in all 5 villages of the appellation (Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Bedarrides, Sorgues, Courthezon and Orange). The kaleidiscope of the terroirs he works with is reflected in the cellar, as well, where a combination of barrels, foudres, cement, and eggs are used. The style of wines they produce here is fascinating and unique; very much Châteauneuf viewed through the prism of Burgundy. The wines are stunning: precise, intense, complex and expressive visions of Châteauneuf. The flavours are of course those of Grenache (white or red), but structurally, there is more than a little of the Côte d’Or grand cru about these wines.