Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny La Marginale 2021

Roches Neuves La Marginale is Thierry Germain's old-vine Saumur-Champigny, made from biodynamically farmed Cabernet Franc on limestone.

Saumur-Champigny sits on the Turonian limestone, or tuffeau, of the Loire's left bank around Saumur, and Marginale is drawn from the limestone soils of the Fossés de Chaintré, in the lieux-dits of Les Dares and Clos Maurice, plus a small parcel of old vines in the well-known Les Poyeux. The fruit comes from some of the estate's oldest and lowest-yielding vines, and the farming is biodynamic. The wine is raised in a 25-hectolitre foudre, built in the Roches Neuves cellar by Franz Stockinger himself, for 12 months, then finished in three-year-old Burgundy barrels. Since 2013 Germain has shortened his macerations, now limited to one or two punch-downs so the wine infuses rather than extracts. The result is a Cabernet Franc of unusual finesse, with satin tannins carried by mouth-watering acidity.

Approachable now and will develop over eight to twelve years. Serve at 16-18°C with roast duck, mushroom risotto or grilled lamb cutlets.

*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.