Description
Thierry Germain made the move away from the Gironde to the Loire Valley in 1991, taking possession of Domaine des Roches Neuves in Varrains, just on the outskirts of Saumur. The vineyard is worked in a natural way -3 horses help- with the goal of keeping the vine and the soil at its healthiest, and is fully biodynamic since the 2005 vintage. The harvest is manual, selecting grapes at their very ripest level. Vinification is handled in small batches then bottling unfined and unfiltered. Germain has garnered praise in the European press for his exciting wines, which are always filled with ripe, generous fruit and supple textures.
100% Cabernet Franc. Once the grapes reach the winery, it is classified on the selection table. The whole cluster is then allowed to macerate over 22 days. Fermentation is carried out in round wooden deposits at a controlled temperature. The wine finally ages in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months.
Tasting Notes
An intense, ruby coloured wine with pretty minty shades, red fruit liquor and star anise aromas on the nose, accompanied by blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry aromas as well as floral notes of Peonies, Violets and Roses. The palate is powerful, suggesting all the potential of a great terroir. The intense fruitiness camouflages the acidity and tames the alcohol, giving a sharp, balanced and rich wine.
