Domaine Le Soula, IGP Cotes Catalanes, France, 2015

Domaine Le Soula, IGP Cotes Catalanes, France, 201522Ha under vine at this iconic biodynamic Roussillon domaine in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This is a partnership between the great Grard Gauby and two English wine importers, Roy Richards and Mark Walford, that began in the 1990s. In 2016 the torch at Le Soula was passed to Wendy Paill who makes the wines and oversees all work in the vineyards. The patchwork of vineyards is planted with a variety of traditional varieties (Macabeu, Grenache Blanc

22Ha under vine at this iconic biodynamic Roussillon domaine in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This is a partnership between the great Gérard Gauby and two English wine importers, Roy Richards and Mark Walford, that began in the 1990s. In 2016 the torch at Le Soula was passed to Wendy Paillé who makes the wines and oversees all work in the vineyards.

The patchwork of vineyards is planted with a variety of traditional varieties (Macabeu, Grenache Blanc and Gris, Malvoisie du Roussillon) and imported varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino). They have also planted Syrah on the cooler sites. Vines are on average 40 years old, but some were planted as long ago as 1919.

Vineyards were cultivated organically since the outset, and from 2008 onwards have been farmed biodynamically.

This vintage of red Le Soula is a blend of 59 % Carignan 23 % Syrah and 18 % Grenache Noir.

Soils are composed of decomposed granite (89%) and schiste (11%) at between 350m and 600m above sea level.

Hand harvested fruit is given whole bunch maceration from 12 days up to 15 days and fermentation is with natural yeasts. Elevage is for 22 months in a combination of wooden vats (40%) and tank (40%) and 500-litre demi-muids (20%). No fining at bottling, only a light filtration.

A nose that is very expressive of ripe black berry fruits, cherry, prune and exotic spices. The palette is powerful and round at the same time, with well integrated black fruits, crushed rock and spice. Long, lingering finish. Aromatically complex, with great energy and showing the freshness so characteristic of the Le Soula portfolio.