Thierry Germain Saumur Blanc I'Insolite 2023

Thierry Germain Saumur Blanc l’Insolite is an organically farmed Chenin Blanc from densely planted vineyards close to the town of Saumur, the oldest vines among them 90 years of age.

Saumur sits on the tuffeau limestone of the middle Loire. Fruit for l’Insolite traditionally comes from two lieux-dits, Les Cerpes and Saint-Vincent, on clay and limestone riddled with sandstone and flint; recent releases have taken in several further plots around the commune. Thierry Germain, of Domaine des Roches Neuves, presses the bunches slowly and lets the juice ferment naturally in 1,200-litre Stockinger ovals and 600-litre casks bought from Alphonse Mellot. The wine then rests on fine lees for another 12 months, slowly building texture before bottling. Germain thinks of it as the Loire’s answer to German Riesling, which is where the name — meaning unusual — comes from. Over the years it has become one of the reference points for Loire Chenin.

Drinking now and worth eight to ten years. Serve at 10-12°C with roast chicken, grilled john dory or a mature chèvre.

*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.