# Arioso Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (2020)

- **Producer:** Rotem & Mounir Saouma
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, raspberry, red plum, dried herbs, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, smoke, dried fruit, tobacco, earth, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

The Arioso Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020 is a single-varietal Grenache wine from the Rhône Valley. Produced by Rotem & Mounir Saouma, it originates from old vines planted in the 1930s in the Pignan sector. The Saoumas, known for their meticulous approach influenced by Burgundy, focus on minimal intervention winemaking to allow the grape and terroir to express themselves. The 2020 vintage was marked by warm, dry conditions, resulting in concentrated fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Arioso is an operatic term for a melodic solo, suggesting a blend of grace and depth.
- The Grenache vines for this cuvée were planted in the 1930s.
- The Saoumas farm across all five villages of the appellation.
- Yields are exceptionally low, around 1 ton per acre.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can be softened by the food's fat and protein. The concentrated fruit and spice notes can complement the savory and sometimes sweet elements of slow-cooked meats and earthy accompaniments.

## Wine making process

The Arioso Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020 is produced with a philosophy of minimal intervention. Fermentation involves an eight-day maceration period at cool temperatures, with no punching down, racking, or sulfuring until one month before bottling. The wine then ages for 24-36 months in a mix of barrels, foudres, cement, and eggs. Vineyard practices focus on soil health and biodiversity, with the 2020 vintage characterized by drought and heatwaves leading to concentrated grapes.