The 2022 Clos Saouma Côtes du Rhône Villages Blanc INOPIA is a beautifully layered Southern Rhône white from the visionary husband-and-wife team Rotem and Mounir Saouma, renowned for their Burgundian precision. Produced predominantly from Grenache Blanc, with smaller portions of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Viognier, the fruit comes largely from the estate's vineyards around Orange. Wild fermented in cement eggs and seasoned French oak, the wine spends at least 16 months on full lees before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, resulting in remarkable texture and complexity. The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing white peach, apricot and pear layered with citrus blossom, honey, subtle smoke and stony minerality.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with a rich, silky texture balanced by vibrant freshness and mineral tension. Ripe orchard fruit, citrus and gentle spice are complemented by savoury lees complexity and a long, saline finish with exceptional precision. Combining the generosity of the Rhône with the finesse of great white Burgundy, this is a distinctive and age-worthy white of outstanding character.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2022 Clos Saouma Côtes du Rhône Villages Blanc INOPIA is a superb match for lobster, roast chicken, grilled John Dory, creamy seafood dishes, roast pork or mature Comté. Enjoy now with a short decant, or cellar confidently through 2036 as its texture and complexity continue to evolve.
