Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves - Franc de Pied 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Thierry Germain has made his estate a benchmark and a leading name in biodynamic winemaking and the great wines of the Loire Valley, while successfully passing on his passion to Jeanne and Louis, his children, who now work alongside him. The dense, vibrant wines showcase the magnificent limestone terroirs of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, particularly the single-vineyard cuvées Clos Romans and Clos de L’Echelier. Low yields result in beautifully concentrated reds that are silky and long on the palate.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

In 2023, the Cabernet Franc offers more substance, while expressing a distinctive floral character and a medium-bodied balance—especially here, where one senses the expression of a crisp, al dente grape, much like Franc de Pied: easy to drink, supple, and lively, with a balance reminiscent of a white wine.

About the estate:

The charismatic Thierry Germain has defined a unique stylistic approach to Saumur-Champigny and Saumur whites. The extensive work undertaken in the vineyards (using biodynamic methods, with some plots plowed by horse) is evident even in the estate’s most basic cuvée. The latest vintages of white wine reveal a remarkable briny brightness, capturing the essence of Chenin’s chalky expression on tuffeau soil. They set the taste buds and the whole body alight! The pursuit of crispness and a chiseled edge is undeniable in the reds, which can exhibit a delightful floral character. We are, however, convinced that they could reveal a more velvety, graceful, and ripe balance characteristic of Loire Cabernet Franc, in the style of La Marginale, whose vertical tasting held in April 2024 confirmed its aging potential.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2023 Franc de Pied comes from ungrafted vines planted in sandy soils. Probably the boldest of the Roches Neuves wines, it displays a restrained yet assured structure and presence. It offers impressive body and density. The tannins are present, coating the palate with a fine, grainy texture without being overpowering. Notes of violet, bay leaf, and black olive mingle with aromas of black fruit in a long finish.