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HERVE SOUHAUT La Souteronne
HERVE SOUHAUT La Souteronne
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$50.00 USD
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$50.00 USD
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Hervé Souhaut La Souteronne is an exquisite natural red wine crafted by Hervé Souhaut at Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet in the Northern Ardèche region of France, just across the Rhône River from the famed Hermitage appellation. Made from 100% Gamay grapes sourced from old vines—ranging from 50 to over 100 years old—this wine reflects the rugged beauty of its granite-rich terroir in the Saint-Joseph-adjacent hills near Arlebosc. Souhaut, a natural wine pioneer since founding his domaine in 1993, blends tradition with a minimalist ethos to let the land speak.
The winemaking process is deliberately hands-off: hand-harvested, whole-cluster Gamay undergoes a lengthy, cool carbonic maceration with native yeasts in large wooden vats, lasting several weeks to coax out vibrant fruit without heavy extraction. The wine then ages for about eight months on its lees in neutral oak barrels, adding depth without masking its character. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it sees only a minimal dose of sulfur (around 25 mg/L total), preserving its lively, unadulterated essence. Alcohol typically ranges from 12.5% to 14%, depending on the vintage, keeping it fresh yet substantial.
In the glass, La Souteronne pours a translucent ruby with a garnet rim, hinting at its elegance. The nose is a fragrant dance of crushed red fruits—strawberry, cherry, and raspberry—laced with floral violet notes, a dusting of black pepper, and a smoky, mineral backbone that whispers of its granitic origins. On the palate, it’s light-bodied yet intense, with juicy acidity, soft tannins, and a silky texture that carries flavors of tart red berries, earthy herbs, and a subtle iron-like tang. The finish is crisp, lingering, and faintly savory, inviting another sip.
This Gamay straddles the line between Beaujolais brightness and Northern Rhône rusticity, making it a versatile match for roasted meats (think lamb or duck), hearty stews, or even a charcuterie spread with aged cheeses. Serve it slightly chilled (55-60°F) to highlight its freshness. La Souteronne—named after Souhaut’s nickname for his wife, Béatrice—is a testament to his artistry, offering a pure, evocative taste of the Ardèche’s forgotten slopes in every bottle. Small production (around 1,000 cases annually) and its cult status mean it’s a treasure worth seeking out.
