Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny 2021

Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny is a biodynamic Cabernet Franc from Thierry Germain's younger vines on the tuffeau limestone of the Saumur plateau.

Saumur-Champigny sits on the left bank of the Loire east of Saumur, where the soft tuffeau limestone that built the region's châteaux also gives Cabernet Franc its particular combination of freshness and fine tannin. The fruit for this cuvée is drawn from parcels around Varrains, Chaintres and Saumur, with vine age ranging from five to seventy years and averaging around twenty-five. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and some rows are ploughed by the domaine's Ardennais draught horses. Picking is by hand. Some parcels are given a cold soak before a wild yeast fermentation, and the whole wine is raised in tank rather than barrel, so there is no oak between the drinker and the fruit. Apart from a small ten parts per million addition of sulphur at bottling, nothing else goes in. It is the domaine's entry point and its most direct statement of the appellation.

Ready now and holding comfortably for four to six years. Serve lightly chilled at 15-16°C, or at 16-18°C, with charcuterie, roast chicken or grilled pork.

*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.