Rotem & Mounir Saouma : Magis 2022

Characteristics and tasting advice for the "Magis" 2022 cuvée by Rotem & Mounir Saouma

Tasting

Appearance

The wine reveals a deep golden hue with subtle amber highlights.

Nose

Highly complex, the bouquet releases aromas of white flowers such as jasmine and honeysuckle, intertwined with notes of stone fruits like white peach and pear. The ensemble is enhanced by delicate woody hints of cedar and vanilla, along with a saline minerality reminiscent of wet stone.

Palate

Full and concentrated, the palate offers a rich texture perfectly balanced by remarkable tension. Flavors of melon, yellow plum, and apple unfold, enriched with touches of verbena and macadamia nut. The long and vibrant finish stands out for its bright acidity and persistent saline minerality.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs beautifully with herb-roasted poultry, refined seafood such as pan-seared scallops or buttered lobster. It will also elevate seafood pasta, vegetables with herbaceous notes such as asparagus, as well as aged goat’s or cow’s milk cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate the complexity of this 2022 vintage, it is recommended to serve it in a large white wine glass at a temperature between 50 and 55°F. This wine, crafted for aging, can evolve in the cellar until around 2035.

The complexity and elegance of a great white wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The estate

Rotem & Mounir Saouma established their estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape around 2006, after founding the micro-négociant Lucien Le Moine in Burgundy in 1999. Mounir Saouma, of Lebanese origin, developed his passion for wine during a monastic experience before studying oenology in Montpellier. Rotem, from a family of cheesemakers, specialized in viticultural agriculture in Dijon. Today, the couple manages approximately 37 hectares of vineyards spread across the five communes of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Their philosophy is based on minimal intervention methods, extended aging, and a constant pursuit of finesse and terroir expression, earning them international recognition.

The vineyard

The "Magis" cuvée comes from the lieu-dit Pierredon, located on the border of the communes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Bédarrides. This exceptional terroir, certified organic, is characterized by poor sandy and clay soils resting on a thick layer of rolled pebbles known as “grès,” with a predominantly limestone subsoil. The vines, planted at high density, are tended entirely by hand, ensuring fruit of optimal quality and a unique mineral expression.

The vintage

The year 2022 was marked by extreme weather conditions, including drought episodes, intense heat, and hailstorms. These climatic challenges resulted in low yields and required early harvesting. Despite this, the growing cycle produced berries of great concentration with excellent natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

Production begins with firm whole-cluster pressing using a vertical press dating from 1978. The must is then transferred into entirely new 500-liter French oak barrels, where fermentation starts naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts. Aging continues on full lees for a minimum of 24 months, without any racking, fining, or filtration, with only occasional light bâtonnage.

Grape varieties

This Rhône Valley wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc (75%), Clairette (10%), Roussanne (10%), and Bourboulenc (5%).