Remarkable wines from a remarkable terroir
On tasting today at our Bishopsgate shop
Le Soula began as a joint venture between renowned Roussillon vigneron Gerard Gauby and Mark Walford and Roy Richards, the pioneering British agents for such legendary wines as Le Pin, Chave, Clos des Papes, Grivot and Lisini. Gauby was convinced that old, neglected vines in the cool climate of the Fenouilledes, high up in the foothills of the eastern Pyrenees, had potential for making great wines. Together they bought vineyards and an old house which became the first winery.
Today the domaine comprises 22 hectares under vine, with the oldest vines dating back to 1919. The vines have always been cultivated organically, and biodynamically since 2008. Cool nights contribute freshness, and gentle and minimal intervention winemaking ensure purity. Le Soula wines are about elegance and balance and vitality, not power or richness.
Somewhat to Mark's chagrin, the Soula white has always overshadowed the red. Much effort has been made to remedy the imbalance, but the quality of the white has grown even as the red has played catch-up. The red today is an alluring, complex, herb-scented wine - a showcase for old vine Carignan. Despite the varietal mix - a carefully selected blend of indigenous and imported varieties - the white is reminiscent of a classy white Burgundy. It's a wine of great texture, for which winemaker Wendy Paille gives credit to the Macabeu. The bargains in the range are the Trigones - two of the most characterful wines in the shop sub-£20. The white is always the first to sell out at the winery while Trigone Rouge is the perfect summer red. Soula red and white age beautifully and all of the wines stay fresh for days - even weeks - after opening. Come and try them today. /AR
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available immediately
