Saumur-Champigny Terres Chaudes Domaine des Roches Neuves - Thierry Germain 2009

Lot presentation

Saumur-Champigny Terres Chaudes Domaine des Roches Neuves - Thierry Germain 2009

The wine

Thierry Germain moved to Varrains in 1992, where he makes Saumur whites (from 3 hectares of Chenin) and Saumur-Champigny (from 19 hectares of Cabernet Franc). His philosophy is entirely based on the way in which he works the vines. "Science can do nothing to help the mediocrity of the grape: if the vine is neglected, it cannot yield the desired nectar". This is why the estate is fully operated according to biodynamics, in a bid to breathe new life into the soil. The wine-maker only intervenes in the plant's growth as a little added extra. Minimal intervention and natural vinification result in vintage after vintage of wines that are always different, never the same. Today, Thierry Germain is one of the best representatives of his generation, and has contributed to the reputation of the Saumur appellation. The Cabernet Franc des Terres Chaudes is grown on the hillside slope of Poyeux and a section of the Chaintres rift in Les Dares. The chalky under layer of soil locally known as tuffeay combines clay, sand and limestone. These old vines of around forty years are hand harvested and the wine is left to ferment naturally, with no chemical yeast. It is then aged on fine lees for a year, in barrels used for the Marginale cuvée. The "Terres Chaudes" cuvée is neither filtered nor fined before bottling: its deep, dense colour can therefore appear slightly cloudy. The wine features a concentrated nose that combines very ripe dark fruits, full and deep on the palate with an array of spices.

About the Producer Domaine des Roches Neuves

Thierry Germain moved to Varrains in 1992, where he makes Saumur whites (from 3 hectares of Chenin) and Saumur-Champigny (from 19 hectares of Cabernet Franc). His philosophy is entirely based on the way in which he works the vines. "Science is useless when the grapes are of mediocre quality: if the vine is neglected, it cannot yield the desired nectar". This is why the domain is run entirely according to biodynamic principles (certified in 2005), in a bid to breathe new life into the soil. The wine-maker only intervenes in the plant's growth as a little added extra. Minimal intervention and natural, parcel-by-parcel vinification result in vintage after vintage of wines that are always different, never the same. Today, Thierry Germain is one of the best representatives of his generation, and has contributed to restoring the reputation of the Saumur appellation. He produces a sublime range, of a very high quality, among the finest wines of the appellation. A big favourite with the iDealwine team!

Detailed characteristics