France
Rotem and Mounir Saouma
The renowned Burgundy micro-négociant Lucien Le Moine, founded by Mounir Saouma and Rotem Saouma, expanded into the Rhône Valley in 2009 with the acquisition of vineyard holdings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This estate project represents a natural extension of their Burgundian philosophy, applied to one of the Rhône’s most prestigious appellations.
Starting with just 5 acres in Pignan, adjacent to Château Rayas, the estate has grown to approximately 21 acres across eight vineyards in five villages, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bédarrides, Sorgues, Courthézon and Orange. This diversity of terroirs provides a broad palette for crafting wines of complexity and character.
Viticulture is carried out with a simple yet focused approach: improving soil health and drainage, using organic manures, and deliberately limiting yields to enhance concentration and quality. In the cellar, winemaking combines barrels, large foudres, concrete tanks and amphorae, allowing for precise élevage while preserving purity and texture.
The wines are powerful yet refined, combining the richness of the southern Rhône with Burgundian precision. Expressive, complex and structured, they offer a distinctive interpretation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
« Mounir Saouma of Le Moine interprets the character of each vintage before making his choices in the cellar. »
— Wine Spectator