Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves - Clos de l'Echelier rouge 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Thierry Germain has made his estate a benchmark for biodynamic viticulture and great Loire wines, while successfully passing on his passion to his children Jeanne and Louis, who now work with him. The wines are dense and full of energy, showcasing the magnificent limestone terroirs of the saumur-champigny appellation, particularly the Clos Romans and Clos de L'Echelier parcel cuvées. Low yields give good concentration to the long, silky reds.

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

About the wine:

The chalky, floral, chalky dimension of Clos de l'Echelier is impressive: a splendid definition of Saumur Cabernet Franc.

About the domain :

The charismatic Thierry Germain has defined a singular stylistic approach to Saumur-Champigny and Saumur whites. The extensive work undertaken in the vines (biodynamic, some ploughed with a horse) is evident right from the estate's first cuvée. The latest white vintages reveal a remarkable saline brilliance, getting to the heart of the chalky expression of chenin on tuffeau. They thrill the taste buds and the body! The quest for a crisp, chiselled edge is undeniable in the reds, which can have a ravishing florality. However, we are convinced that they could reveal a more velvety, graceful and ripe balance of Loire Cabernet Franc, in the manner of La Marginale, whose vertical test in April 2024 confirmed its ageing potential.

Vinous

About the wine:

Clos de l'Échelier 2023 is precise and slender. It is very light on the palate, almost like a white wine with its linear, lemony finish. From a 1.5-hectare parcel of limestone soil, it's a little more restrained than the winery's clay cuvées, but reveals seductive aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry. Tannins are almost imperceptible. The 2023 will gain in fullness, but its lemony acidity will still give it its lively character.