Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny Franc de Pied 2023

Franc de Pied is Thierry Germain's Saumur-Champigny made from ungrafted Cabernet Franc growing on its own roots in sand.

Saumur-Champigny sits on the left bank of the Loire east of Saumur, where Cabernet Franc is usually planted on tuffeau limestone. These two small parcels are different: deep, sandy soils close to the river, the kind of ground in which phylloxera struggles and vines can be grown without grafting. First made in 2008, the cuvée was established with 2,000 mass-selection cuttings taken from Bernard Baudry's own-rooted vines. The vines are trained to single stakes in the échalas style at 10,000 plants per hectare, and the sandy soils are worked by horse. The domaine is farmed biodynamically. Yields are the lowest at Roches Neuves and the alcohol the lowest of the reds. Around 30% whole bunches were used, and the wine was raised for 12 months in older 12-hectolitre casks.

Decant it and drink over the next eight years or so. It suits roast duck, grilled lamb or mushrooms on toast, served at 16°C.

*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.