Le Soula "Le Rosé du Soula" '23

Le Soula began as a project between Gérard Gauby and Roy Richards and Mark Walford, who were importing Gauby’s wines from the Roussillon into England. Gauby understood the potential of vines in the cooler climate of the Fenouillèdes, high up in the foothills of the eastern Pyrenees of southwestern France, and together they bought vines in the top sites. Le Soula’s first vintage was released in 2001.
 
Le Soula’s domaine comprises 22 hectares under vine, in the communes of Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet, Feilluns, Saint-Arnac, and Le Vivier. Most of the vines were planted around 1977, with the oldest dating back to 1919. Since 2001, all the vines have been grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Le Soula has followed biodynamic principles since 2008 and is certified with Demeter. Wendy Wilson, who managed vineyards in the Loire and the US, has been in charge since 2016. 
 
“Le Rosé de Soula” is a blend of 46% Marsanne and Roussanne, 34% Grenache Noir, and 20% Syrah. The fruit is hand-harvested, and fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts. The wine is aged for six months in 500-liter neutral oak and for one month in stainless steel. Only 108 cases produced.

Aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry, watermelon, blood orange, and garrigue lead to a savory, medium-bodied palate with moderate tannins and a bright, refreshing finish. Similar to a light-bodied red wine, serve this dark-hued rosé with a chill and enjoy it with tapenade, paella, a goat-cheese quiche, or salmon.