Rotem & Mounir Saouma 2016

Characteristics and tasting advice for Rotem & Mounir Saouma 2016

Tasting

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals great complexity, blending aromas of cherry purée, infused plum, and warm raspberry coulis. Secondary notes of rooibos tea, bergamot, incense, and jasmine intertwine with hints of dried violet, cedar, and garrigue.

Palate
Both bold and elegant, the palate offers a smooth and graceful texture. Flavors of black cherry and wild strawberry are complemented by nuances of smoke and cigar box. The whole is supported by fine tannins with mineral accents, leading to a finish of exceptional finesse with a touch of authentic rusticity.

Wine pairings
This red wine from the Rhône Valley enhances roasted meats and dishes in sauce, such as wild boar stew with mushrooms, beef stew, or duck with porcini mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses made from goat’s, sheep’s, or cow’s milk, as well as vegetarian dishes with Mediterranean influences such as moussaka or oven-roasted sun vegetables.

Serving and cellaring
With remarkable aging potential over several decades, this 2016 vintage can be cellared and enjoyed until around 2043.

A full-bodied and balanced wine from the Rhône Valley

The estate
Founded in 2009 with their first acquisition in southern France, the Rotem & Mounir Saouma estate is located in Orange, at the heart of the Rhône Valley. Led by Rotem and Mounir Saouma, the current owners, this estate spans some of the region’s most prestigious terroirs. The couple stands out for a unique philosophical approach, combining historical methods with environmentally respectful viticulture. Their vision is based on minimal intervention and a pure expression of terroir, making this estate a benchmark reference.

The vineyard
The grapes come from several plots offering a true geological mosaic. The soils are composed of the famous rolled pebbles, silty sands, pure clay, and exposed limestone rocks. The vineyard is cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. The vines benefit from high planting density, promoting natural competition that limits yields and concentrates the aromas of the hand-harvested berries.

The vintage
The year began in the Rhône Valley with a very wet spring that disrupted flowering, resulting in a significant drop in yields. This natural selection was followed by a dry and stable summer, without extreme heat spikes, allowing for steady ripening. The early harvest took place under mild and temperate weather conditions, delivering grapes of exceptional concentration with beautiful natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging
For this 2016 vintage, the bunches are lightly crushed without being destemmed, then undergo cold maceration for eight days. Pressing is carried out gently using small traditional vertical presses. Fermentation proceeds very slowly, without any punch-downs or pump-overs. The wine is then aged for eighteen months on its full lees in various vessels, including foudres, concrete eggs, and barrels, without ever undergoing racking, fining, or filtration.

Grape varieties
Grenache (80%), Syrah (10%), Mourvèdre (10%).