Rotem and Mounir Saouma

Inopia Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Blanc 2020

Côtes-du-Rhône

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Burgundy meets the Rhône. An utter respect for tradition, and in some ways a total break. We’ve watched as Mounir and Rotem Saouma, of Burgundy producer Lucien Le Moine, slowly developed their estate and wines in the Rhône Valley, and the results today are too extraordinary and distinct to ignore.

Vineyard

The Saouma’s purchased a desolate plot of land in Orange in 2011. A minimal intervention approach combined with the image of the original barren land inspired the name of the wine, INOPIA, which translates to “made from nothing” in Latin.

Soils: Predominately poor clay soil (3 feet) with little river stones called “Grès” (24 feet deep) which provide both favorable humidity for the dry climate and plenty of mineral elements.

Farming: Seeing potential in the land, 11 grape varieties were planted in 2011 under high density (4,700 plants per hectare versus the normal 3,500) with the objective of quality low-yielding fruit. All vineyard work is done by hand.

Grape Varieties: Mostly Grenache Blanc, along with a touch of Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Viognier.

Winemaking

Fermentation & Aging: After a hard pressing of whole cluster grapes into 500 liter barrels and 1,600 liter cement eggs, fermentation takes place, and the wine remains undisturbed for 18 months – no pumping over, no punchng down, no fining, no filtration.

Vintage

2020 is another excellent vintage for the Rhône Valley. Another dry spring was followed by a moderate summer, this time without the extreme heat spikes of 2019. Harvest occurred early – particularly for whites and Rosés – but the weather was even and temperate throughout. The grapes were ripe and concentrated with excellent natural acidity – superb raw materials across all AOPs. The wines are rich, balanced, and expressive.

Tasting Note

Intensely perfumed and vibrant nose of citrus, flowers and an almost salty note. Intensity of flavors and structure, with a beautifully balanced freshness.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier

Appellation

Côtes-du-Rhône

Alcohol

14%

Suggested Retail Price

$34.00

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Inopia Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Rouge

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The Saouma’s purchased a desolate plot of land in Orange in 2011. A minimal intervention approach combined with the image of the original barren land inspired the name of the wine, INOPIA, which translates to “made from nothing” in Latin.

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