Le Soula Blanc 2007 – a remarkable wine from the Roussillon

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Le Soula Blanc 2007 – a remarkable wine from the Roussillon

I really like this. It’s the latest release from Roussillon producer Le Soula, a partnership between UK wine merchant Richards Walford and celebrated winemaker Gerard Gauby, who discovered this wonderful spot in the Fenouilledes. It’s a blend of eclectic varieties – the vineyard composition of Le Soula reads as follows:

Macabeu 4 ha (on average planted in 1980)
Sauvignon 2,5 ha (1991)
Marsanne / Roussanne : 1 ha (2003)
Vermentino (Rolle) : 1 ha (1994)
Grenache Blanc : 0,5 ha (1990)
Grenache Gris : 0,5 ha (1957)
Malvoisie du Roussillon (Tourbat) : 0,5 ha (1984)

Like some other high end Roussillon whites (e.g. Matassa), there’s a bit of matchstick reduction here, which works as a complexing factor. This isn’t a cheap wine (I’ve seen the preceding vintage as high as £27 at Averys; Berry Bros and Rudd are a few £ cheaper), but it’s serious stuff. UK agent is Richards Walford (unsurprisingly, given that they are partners in the venture).

Domaine Le Soula Blanc 2007 Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes, France
14% alcohol. From vineyards high up in the Fenouillèdes with decomposed granite soils. Very interesting, flinty, minerally, spicy, savoury nose with some bright citrus fruit. The palate is savoury and structured with fresh apple and citrus notes, as well as white peach and nice minerality. Complex and savoury with some nice matchstick reduction in the background. Quite profound. 92/100

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5 Comments on Le Soula Blanc 2007 – a remarkable wine from the RoussillonTagged ,
wine journalist and flavour obsessive

5 thoughts on “Le Soula Blanc 2007 – a remarkable wine from the Roussillon

  1. I love Le Soula Blanc. Chris and Andrea worked a couple of vintages there,and I especially like the 2006.

  2. Jamie, whats the ageing potential of this wine do you think? They do go on for a while these le soula’s I think..

  3. Never noticed obtrusive oak on this wine of which I am a big fan, tho it clearly has some.

    Ageing… the 02 (naturally a qweakish vintage) was the best white I drank at home last year (tastings apart). Still have one left. The 06 (recently tried) was very good indeed, tho to my mind not really ready yet.

  4. A regular chez Lake. I buy it from The Wine Society in their opening offer for a reasonable price.

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