Les Frères Soulier Blanc Noir 2022

Les Frères Soulier represents one of the most exciting natural wine projects in France's southern Rhône Valley. Brothers Guillaume and Charles Soulier established their domain in 2014 in Saint Hilaire d'Ozilhan, a village in the Gard department situated between Avignon and Nîmes, just steps from the iconic Pont du Gard. Despite being in their early thirties when they started, these young vignerons have quickly established themselves as rising stars in the region's natural wine movement.

The brothers bring complementary skills to their venture. Guillaume, trained as a landscape gardener, focuses on vineyard work and brings a deep understanding of nature and soil health. Charles, who studied viticulture and enology at the prestigious agronomic school of Montpellier after initially pursuing business studies, handles winemaking operations. Their collaboration represents a perfect blend of technical knowledge and intuitive understanding of the land.

The estate comprises 8 to 10 hectares of vineyards spread across diverse terroir around Saint Hilaire d'Ozilhan. The vineyard sites showcase remarkable geological diversity, featuring limestone scree slopes with west and northwest exposures, as well as 2 hectares of large, very siliceous rolled pebbles. Some sources indicate the domain has expanded to 20 hectares of contiguous land, including 11 hectares of vines, 2 hectares of olive trees, 2 hectares of garrigue, and 5 hectares of prairies for their animals.

The Soulier brothers practice organic and biodynamic farming methods, though they remain uncertified by choice. Their approach emphasizes soil health above all else. They have moved away from plowing their vineyard rows, instead allowing natural grass cover to develop. The soil work is primarily done with horses, focusing only on the vine rows themselves while leaving the inter-rows naturally grassed and never plowed.

A key aspect of their vineyard management involves integrating animals into their farming system. Sheep, goats, and horses serve as natural weed control, grazing between the vine rows and contributing to the ecosystem's balance. This holistic approach has resulted in vineyards that bloom with wild fennel by late summer, creating an aromatic environment during harvest.

The estate focuses primarily on southern Rhône varieties, with about 80% dedicated to red grapes including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise. The brothers have also replanted forgotten indigenous varieties to match their terroir and bring freshness to their wines. These include Picardan, Terret Noir, Counoise, Muscardin, and Vacaresse, all sourced through massal selection to preserve genetic diversity.

One of their prized sites is "Valmal," featuring 80-year-old Grenache vines planted on red clay and pebble soils. For white varieties, they work with Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, and the rare Picardan, among others. The diverse plantings reflect their commitment to expressing the full potential of their varied terroir.

The Rhône Valley is one of France's most renowned and historic wine regions, stretching along the Rhône River from Lyon north to Avignon in the south. Known for its diverse climate, soils, and grape varieties, the region produces a wide range of wines, from robust reds to delicate whites, for nearly every palate.

Geography and Climate

The Rhône Valley is typically divided into two sub-regions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. The Northern Rhône has a continental climate with steep vineyards overlooking the river, where Syrah is the dominant grape variety, producing bold, structured reds. Famous appellations from this area include Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas. The Southern Rhône has a Mediterranean climate, benefiting from the warm, dry weather and the mistral winds. Grenache is the primary grape, often blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other varieties. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous appellation of the south, known for its powerful and complex red blends.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

The Rhône Valley is home to a rich diversity of grape varieties. In the Northern Rhône, Syrah reigns supreme, producing deep, intense wines with flavors of black fruit, pepper, and smoky notes. The whites from this region, primarily made from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, are aromatic and full-bodied. In the Southern Rhône, Grenache dominates red blends, often accompanied by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, resulting in rich, fruit-forward wines with spice and herbaceous qualities. The region also produces delightful rosés and white wines from grapes like Grenache Blanc and Clairette.

History and Tradition

Viticulture in the Rhône Valley dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who cultivated vines and developed trade routes along the Rhône River. The region's wines have long been prized, and over the centuries, appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape have achieved worldwide fame. Today, the Rhône is celebrated for its traditional wines and its embrace of modern winemaking techniques and natural viticulture, with many producers adopting organic and biodynamic practices.