Domaine des Roches Neuves, Saumur Champigny 'Roche'

The 50-hectare Domaine des Roches Neuves is run by Bordelais Thierry Germain and is situated in the appellation of Saumur-Champigny in the Loire Valley. The winery has existed since 1850 and since purchasing the estate in 1991, Thierry has turned it into one of the finest in France. The estate is run strictly along biodynamic lines, harvesting is manual and yields are low. Vinification is carried out only in small batches and the wines are neither filtered not fined.

100% Cabernet Franc. Germain's entry-point Saumur-Champigny is drawn from the Domaine's younger Cabernet Franc vines, growing on the tuffeau/limestone soils around the communes of Varrains, Chaintres and Saumur. The vines range in age from 5-70 years old (with the average sitting around 25 years) and include some parcels ploughed by Germain's Ardennais draft horses, Ben and Comtesse. Harvesting is by hand, a cold soak infusion is employed on some of the parcels, and the wild yeast fermentation and élevage is now carried out only in tank. Aside from a minor 10 ppm SO2 at bottling, this cuvée is raised without any additions at all. The straight Saumur-Champigny is plump and velvety. There's a slick of juicy blueberry to go with the floral, graphite and fresh herb notes. Just a stunning wine for the money.

A garnet-red with purple tints. On the nose, scents of violets, irises and stewed red fruits. On the palate, harmonious and balanced with a full-body. The finish is long with elegant and subtle tannins. Try with rabbit and mushroom soup, roast leg of salt-marsh lamb or veal chops with baby onions and wild mushrooms 

"... it starts with a quite lovely nose, a perfect entry-level Saumur-Champigny, laden with sweet black cherry stone and a touch of black bean, the concentration of the vintage shining through. The palate carries a bed of sweet liquorice, currant and cherry stone fruits, the style fresh and bright, stony but with confident flavours. A charming, fresh and grippy style, wrapped in some bright and tightly grained tannins."  91-93 points, Chris Kissak, The Wine Doctor

“One might think that Thierry Germain was going to take a break. Indefatigable, he continues to progress in refining each of his cuvées. All of his wines are superb, but not easy to obtain because the demand for them is so great.” Michel Bettane

“This year, a third star is awarded to the Domaine, a reward for their dazzling array of flawless quality... The range is now irreproachable”  La Revue de Vins du France

“His goal is to have his cabernet franc exhibit the silky elegance of pinot noir. In fact, many of his Saumur-Champignys do taste more like Burgundy than a lot of pinot noirs on the market.”  Josh Reynolds, vinous.com

“Thierry Germain has lead the Domaine des Roches Neuves to become one of the finest wine producers in the entire Loire valley, and surely to become one of the top red wine domaines in Saumur; although, the Chenin Blancs are also more than remarkable.” Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate