Clos Saouma

“This Domaine, which now totals 21 acres in Châteauneuf and an additional 22 acres in Côtes du Rhône-Villages, is creating a new paradigm for wine, a statement I don’t make lightly” –  Wine Spectator

Rotem and Mounir Saouma own the iconic micro negociant Lucien Le Moine in Beaune and have been one of the most sought after producers of 1er and Grand Cru Burgundy for some years now. With a passion to own their own vineyards they made the leap and purchased some superb terroir in Châteauneuf-du Pape to start Clos Saouma.

Clos Saouma is very unique in Châteauneuf. One of the key points of difference is that 40% of their production is white wine in a region dominated by red wine production. To give context white represents under 5% of the total production of Châteauneuf- du-Pape. Since starting in 2009 they have now approximately 15 hectares under vine, with almost the enteritiy of the production coming from their own vineyards.

To understand the wines Clos Saouma is to understand a little their winemaking philosophy of their Burgundian wines. They employ some of the same techniques they use in Burgundy yet in the Rhone they manage every stage of the process, starting with the vineyards they own and all aspects of winemaking through to bottling. They came to the South with their experiences from Burgundy but with fresh eyes and huge respect to the local traditions. It’s most certainly not Burgundy in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottle. It’s their expression and love of this unique terrior.