Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis 2020
Lucien Le Moine is a small House of Grands Crus in Beaune, run by Mounir and Rotem. They established the cellar in 1999, driven by their fascination with the "old way" of growing, vinificating and aging wines. The cellar produces only Grands and Premiers Crus from Côte d'Or, selecting the most beautiful crus in each village and renewing their selection every year. The cellar produces a maximum of 100 barrels (30,000 bottles) to allow them to do everything "by hand" and "by ourselves," which allows them to apply their technical perception and respond to each vintage and wine. Rotem and Mounir Saouma are the owners of the renowned micro-négociant Lucien Le Moine in Beaune, and they 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.
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 wine is made from 75% Grenache Blanc, 10% Clairette, 10% Roussane, and 5% Bourboulenc. The fermentation takes place in barrels from the Jupilles forest (Pays de Loire), followed by two years of aging in the same barrels on the lees, with just occasional stirring. While only 3% of Chateauneuf is white, and virtually all of it is bottled after six months, Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Magis 2020 has already been compared to some of the great white Burgundy crus for its depth and minerality. The wine has a mouthfeel that is both creamy and dried, with prominent flavours of yellow apple, yellow plum, and white peach, backed by notes of shortbread, macadamia nut, and verbena. It is showy but has a razor-sharp focus on the finish, with a lingering echo of hazelnut husk.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - 75% Grenache Blanc, 10% Clairette, 10% Roussane, 5% Bourboulenc
Country - France
Region - Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 15%