Description / Reviews
// Blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Viognier
"Purchased as a desolate plot of land in Orange in 2011, the Saouma family saw potential where others did not. Eleven grape varieties (predominantly Grenache Noir alongside Mourvèdre, Counoise, Syrah and Cinsault) were planted that same year at a high density of 4,700 plants per hectare, well above the regional norm, with the express goal of producing low-yielding, quality fruit. The soils are predominantly poor clay to a depth of three feet, underlaid by 24 feet of small river stones known locally as Grès, which provide both favorable humidity in an otherwise dry climate and a rich source of mineral elements. All vineyard work is carried out by hand. It is this image of barren land transformed — combined with a minimal intervention philosophy — that inspired the name Inopia, from the Latin for made from nothing." - Rotem & Mounir Saouma, Winemaker
"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 entirety of the production coming from their own vineyards." - Franc About Wine, Importer
"The 2023 Côtes-du-Rhône Inopia Blanc opens with a beguiling aromatic profile of struck match, intense apple skin and lemon flesh scents. Medium-bodied, lean and utterly refreshing, the 2023 is a worthy follow-up to the equally enticing 2023 I tasted last year." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous
