Roches Neuves Bulles de Roche 2019

Roches Neuves Bulles de Roche is a zero-dosage Saumur sparkling wine made mainly from biodynamically farmed Chenin Blanc.

Thierry Germain’s Roches Neuves is best known for its still Saumur wines, and this bottle-fermented sparkling comes off the same biodynamic parcels, with fruit from a vineyard at Le Puy-Notre-Dame — an appellation restricted to red wine — making up part of the blend. The wine is 90 per cent Chenin Blanc, the remainder split between Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. The fruit was picked late by sparkling-wine standards, when ripe and full of character rather than merely acidic, then whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in a mix of stainless steel and old Insolite barrels. It spent around 18 months on lees in bottle before being disgorged with no additions at all, so there is no dosage. In short, a Saumur méthode traditionnelle made the way Germain makes everything else.

Ready now and best over the next two to three years. Serve at 8°C as an aperitif, or with oysters, fried fish or a fresh goat’s cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.