La Souteronne is a pure expression of old-vine Gamay, sourced from 70–90 year old vines rooted in the granitic, high-altitude soils of the northern Ardèche. These sites sit at the interface between the Northern Rhône and Beaujolais sensibilities, producing wines with a distinctive tension: fruit-driven yet lifted by a cool, mountain freshness and an unmistakable Rhône-like savoury edge.

The 2024 vintage is vibrant and immediate, bursting with crunchy red cherry, wild strawberry and crushed raspberry. Beneath the fruit sits a subtle meaty, spicy undertone that gives the wine its signature incisive drive. The palate is luscious yet agile, with fine acidity carrying a juicy, mouth-watering profile that makes it exceptionally moreish. It’s a wine that balances charm and energy, with enough structure to hold its shape while remaining utterly drinkable.

Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet was founded by Hervé Souhaut in 1993 and remains one of the most respected small estates in the northern Rhône and Ardèche. Farming just five hectares of mostly ancient vines (50–100 years old), Souhaut works organically and follows a non-interventionist philosophy in the cellar, allowing the vineyards to speak with maximum clarity. The result is a portfolio of wines widely regarded as benchmarks for pure, low-intervention expression in the region.

Souhaut’s influence extends beyond his own wines; he has been instrumental in shaping modern thinking around natural winemaking in France. His approach to Gamay, in particular, helped blur the stylistic lines between Beaujolais and the northern Rhône, producing wines that are both cerebral and deeply pleasurable.