Roches Neuves Saumur Blanc Clos de l’Échelier 2021

Roches Neuves Saumur Blanc Clos de l’Échelier is a biodynamic Chenin Blanc from a two-hectare walled vineyard at Dampierre-sur-Loire, enclosed 300 years ago.

Saumur’s whites come from Chenin Blanc grown on Turonian limestone, and the Clos de l’Échelier is among the appellation’s most distinguished sites — the sort of vineyard that would be classified Grand Cru if Saumur were mapped along Burgundian lines. Thierry Germain had his eye on this limestone-rich clos for two decades before he was able to buy it in 2012. It lies above the old troglodyte caves that skirt this stretch of the river, and its soils are shallow and sandy, with only about 30 centimetres of argilo-calcaire over pure limestone. Much of the clos is planted to Cabernet Franc, and Germain has been adding Chenin to the existing 0.4 hectares of 60-year-old vines. The farming is biodynamic and yields are meagre, which shows in the wine’s density and tension.

Good now and will develop over eight to ten years. Serve at 10-12°C with grilled fish, roast pork or a mature Comté.

*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.