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2015 Rotem & Mounir Saouma Chateauneuf-du-Pape Arioso

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

July 16, 2023 - $140

Estimate

RATINGS

98Wine Spectator

A stunning display of fruit, with a seamless and beguiling show of açaí, raspberry, plum and blackberry puree notes... Light anise, black tea and incense elements weave around while the finish is pulled along by a mouthwatering combo of shiso leaf and iron details, with the fruit easily keeping pace.

97Vinous / IWC

...nose evokes ripe red and dark berries, pungent flowers and exotic spices and a smoky mineral overtone adds vivacious lift. Juicy and concentrated in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet cherry preserve, Chambord, spicecake and floral pastille flavors... Closes gently chewy, sweet and wonderfully long, with building tannins adding shape and final grip.

95-97Jeb Dunnuck

...huge perfume of spring flowers, pepper, exotic fruits, and spice. Possessing remarkable elegance, full body, ultra-fine tannin, and a great, great texture...

REGION

France, Rhône Valley, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appellation, is a large area of nearly 8,000 vineyard acres centered around the picturesque town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Located in southeastern France just north of the Avignon hills, the name of the appellation means “new castle of the pope” and it is a reference to the 14th century, when the Popes of Avignon built summer homes in the Southern Rhone Valley. Today the appellation is one of the most renowned in France and its terroir is known for layers of small pebbles, called “galets.” The stones in the soil are thought to help store heat and keep the soil warm, which helps ripen the grapes. The stones also help keep the soil from drying out in hot summer months. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a leader in establishing the idea that AOC wines in France should be made only with specified grapes, and the appellation allowed 13 grape varieties to be used. Since then the rules have been slightly modified to include several more allowable grapes. Red and white wines are produced, though in practice about 97% of all Châteauneuf –du-Papes are reds made with a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardine, Syrah and Vaccarese. The red wines of this appellation are prized for being big, rich, spicy and full-bodied. White wines of the appellation are made with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Picardin. Whites are floral, fruity and relatively full-bodied.