Le Soula
About
The key to Le Soula has always been the quality of the vineyards. These are small plots of old vines, spread out over multiple communes. The soils are predominately decomposed granite, but a small amount of black schist can also be found. Each parcel has different expositions, and the altitudes range from 350–650 meters. The grapes are all hand harvested, and yields are extremely low, ranging from 14-18hl/ha depending on the vintage. In the cellar the goal is elegance and finesse, not terms often associated with Roussillon wines.
In 2016 the torch at Le Soula was passed to the lovely, energetic and talented Wendy Paillé who makes the wines and oversees all work in the vineyards. Prior to joining Le Soula, Wendy spent 7 years making wine in the Loire Valley at the celebrated Pithon-Paillé with Jo Pithon and Joseph Paillé. Much of her focus at Pithon-Paillé was on vineyard management, but she was also instrumental in the winemaking process and made her first solo-vinification in 2012.
Products
Le Soula Blanc Cotes Catalanes
Biodynamic. 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 34% Macabeu, 15% Grenache Blanc, 7% Vermentino, 7% field blend of Marsanne & Roussanne, 1% Grenache Gris. Assembly of multiple parcels on granite terroir between 1,150 and 1,800 feet (350-550 meters). Each variety and parcel are harvested and pressed separately. The juice undergoes one-night of cold settling, then is racked off the heavy lees straight into oak barrels (73%) and stainless-steel tanks (27%). Alcoholic fermentation begins naturally using only indigenous yeasts. Aged 45% in neutral 500L Austrian & French oak barrels, 28% in a new 2000L oak tank and 27% in stainless steel tanks. Each variety is aged separately for 13-15 months before the blend is established. After blending, the wine is transferred back to oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks for an additional 7-9 months of aging. In total, the wine is matured 20-24 months before going to bottle. The wines are only released when the Domaine feels they are ready, which is normally 4-5 years from the date of harvest. The current release is 2014.
Le Soula Rouge Cotes Catalanes
Biodynamic. 59% Carignan, 23% Syrah, 18% Grenache Noir. Multiple parcels between 1,150 to 2,000 feet (350-600 meters) on decomposed granite and schist. Carignan is 69 years old, Grenache Noir 36 years old, and Syrah 22 years old. Each variety is harvested and fermented separately in a combination of stainless steel, concrete and large oak tanks. Fermentation is done whole cluster for 12-15 days using only indigenous yeasts. Each variety is pressed separately and transferred to oak barrels (60%) and stainless-steel tanks (40%) for aging. Aged 40% in used large oak tanks, 20% in 500L Austrian & French oak barrels and 40% in stainless-steel tanks. Each variety is matured separately for 13-15 months before the blend is established. After blending, the wine is transferred back to oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks for an additional 7-9 months of aging. In total, the wine is matured 20-24 months before going to bottle. The wines are only released when the Domaine feels they are ready, which is normally 4-6 years from the date of harvest. The current release is 2013.
