Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis 2021

Product Information: Magis, which means “more, much more” in Latin, is the name chosen by Saouma because they expect more, much more, from their white Châteauneuf-du-Pape, especially after two years in barrels. The Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis, a white wine made from the Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Bourboulenc varieties is a real kaleidoscope of terroirs integrated in the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape where they work with organic fertilizers and low yields are obtained. In the winery the fruit is firmly pressed with small presses, the must is left in tank to macerate at relatively cool temperatures for 8 days and then transferred to a combination of barrels, foudres, cement and eggs, respecting the expression of each parcel. Finally, the wine is aged in 500-liter French oak barrels for 20 months. Maker: Clos Saouma is a small project by Rotem and Mounir Saouma who you may recognise from the renowned micro-negociant Lucien Le Moine in Beaune. The duo have been highly sought-after producers of 1er and Grand Cru Burgundy for several years. Driven by their passion to own their vineyards, they decided to purchase exceptional terroir in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and start Clos Saouma. Vineyard: The original Rhone site was empty and abandoned when Rotem and Mounir purchased it in 2011. The terroir features clay soil with many little river stones called “Grès,” which provides a nice humidity for the dry south climate and adds mineral elements from the stone. To maximise the potential of the land, they decided to plant 11 varietals, with a high density of 4700 plants per hectare. The soil is very poor, and they decided not to bring any food to the roots, aiming for low yield and high quality, rather than quantity. The vineyard work is done entirely by hand, with minimal intervention and a lot of respect for nature. One of the key points of difference with Clos Saouma is that 30% of their production is white wine in a region dominated by red wine production. To give context white represents just 3% of the total production of Chateauneuf- du-Pape. If you haven’t experienced Clos Saouma’s whites Inopia or Magis get ready for an experience. They are truly fascinating white wines and often I’ve put them in blind line ups against White Grand Cru from Burgundy. They started with purchasing a 4.5 hectare plot in the lieu-dit Pignan in 2009 as they believe it’s the most elegant expression of Grenache from Chateauneuf du Pape. In addition to their home vineyard in Orange and the 4.5 hectares in Pignan they now own 8.4 hectares in Chateauneuf for red production across all five communes and 2.5 hectares of white Chateauneuf. To understand the wines Clos Saouma is to understand their winemaking philosophy of their Burgundian wines. Mounir seems to so often be labelled a ‘modernist’ due to his long elevage technique, lack of sulphur use during elevage and no racking hence a lot of work with the lees. But In fact, as he says himself its “as traditional as it gets”. They employ the same techniques they use in Burgundy yet in the Rhone they manage every stage of the process, starting with the vineyards they own, all aspects of winemaking through to bottling. Central to their philosophy was finding the perfect cellar environment, naturally cool and humid, mirroring the conditions of old Burgundian monasteries. This commitment to tradition extends to their winemaking approach, characterised by minimal intervention and a hands-off approach, long before the rise of the natural wine movement in case you’re wondering. In the cellar, Clos Saouma also embraces slow fermentation periods, closing cellars during spring to maintain low temperatures and humidity, allowing for prolonged fermentation and aging. This patient approach contributes to the wines’ distinctive texture and complexity, with extended lees contact and minimal racking. This commitment to minimal intervention continues through bottling, where wines are neither fined nor filtered, and gravity is used for bottling. The result is wines that are vibrant, age-worthy, and best enjoyed after a double decantation to allow them to fully express their character. Best value of all, though, may by the Inopia, which comes from the ‘Clos Saouma’ vineyards sited in the Cotes du Rhone-Village of Vieuw Bouigard near Orange, surrounding the winery. The couple have nine hectares planted in this less expensive land – yet it’s soil potential is outstanding (clay over deep beds of river rolled pebbles), and the wines, – one third white, two thirds red – are made accordingly to the same lees nourished unhurried principals. – Andrew Jefford” – Decanter. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussane, Bourboulenc Country –