Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves - La Marginale 2023
94/100
RVF
93/100
Bettane & Desseauve
92/100
Vinous
“All the potential of a great terroir—the quintessential Saumur-Champigny, full-bodied and harmonious”
“The 2023 Marginale, with its vibrant colors and fragrant bouquet, is round, harmonious, and delicate. The tannins offer a velvety texture reminiscent of melted chocolate, while the fragrant finish is soothing and exquisitely balanced. This wine is already charming and approachable thanks to its fruitiness and freshness, but it will continue to evolve. The 2023 vintage may not be as powerful or impressive as the 2022, but it is easier to drink right now.” (Vinous 2025). A must-try from the Roches Neuves estate.
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Eye
Deep ruby color
Nose
Delicate notes of mint, fruit liqueur, red fruits, and star anise, along with aromas of red fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, blueberry, raspberry), flowers (peony, violet, rose), and spices (cinnamon, vanilla, Sichuan pepper)
Palate
A bold, powerful attack, intense fruitiness, lovely acidity, well-integrated alcohol that adds structure, and a clean, rich finish
Serve
Decant at 16°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2027
Drink before
2032
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with black pudding and apples, a thick-cut pork chop, a rack of lamb in a herb crust, or oxtail stew...
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated (2026 guide) 93/100
Rated estate (2026 guide) 5*Stars (Exceptional producers, those representing the absolute pinnacle of quality in France and around the world)
About the estate:
Thierry Germain has made his estate a benchmark and a leading name in biodynamic winemaking and fine Loire wines, while successfully passing on his passion to Jeanne and Louis, his children, who now work alongside him. The dense, energetic 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
Wine rated (2026 guide) 94/100
Rated estate (2026 guide) 3*Stars (These represent the pinnacle of French winemaking. The finest terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical experience)
About the wine:
La Marginale is rounder and fuller-bodied, with a refined mouthfeel.
About the estate:
The charismatic Thierry Germain has developed a distinctive stylistic approach to Saumur-Champigny and Saumur whites. The significant work undertaken in the vineyards (using biodynamic methods, with some plowed by horse) is evident even in the estate’s basic cuvée. The latest vintages of white wine reveal a remarkable saline brightness, capturing the essence of Chenin’s chalky expression on tuffeau soil. They delight both the palate and the body! The quest for 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 of Loire Cabernet Franc, in the style of La Marginale, whose vertical tasting in April 2024 confirmed its aging potential.
Vinous
Wine rated (2025 guide) 92/100
About the wine:
The Marginale 2023, with its vibrant colors and fragrant bouquet, is round, harmonious, and delicate. The tannins offer a velvety texture reminiscent of melted chocolate, while the fragrant finish is soothing and exquisitely balanced. This wine is already charming and approachable thanks to its fruitiness and freshness, but it will continue to evolve. The 2023 vintage may not be as powerful or impressive as the 2022, but it is easier to drink right now.
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