Roches Neuves Bulles de Roche 2021

Roches Neuves Bulles de Roche is a traditional-method sparkling Saumur made almost entirely from biodynamically farmed Chenin Blanc.

Saumur produced the Loire's first sparkling wines in the 1830s, and traditional-method fizz remains a substantial part of the local trade. Thierry Germain's Domaine des Roches Neuves, at Varrains, is one of the appellation's leading biodynamic estates, and this cuvée draws on a range of its biodynamic parcels in Saumur along with a vineyard at Le Puy-Notre-Dame, an appellation otherwise reserved for red wine. The blend is ninety per cent Chenin Blanc, with the balance split between Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Germain picks later than is usual for sparkling base wine, waiting for ripeness and character, then presses whole bunches and ferments in a mix of stainless steel and barrels previously used for the Insolite cuvée. The wine spends around eighteen months on lees in bottle before disgorgement with no additions, so it finishes bone dry, chalky and saline.

Ready now and will hold for several years. Serve at around 8°C with oysters, fried chicken or a goat's cheese salad.

*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.