Thierry’s domaine, Roches Neuves, whose vineyards are planted in the Saumur (Blanc) and Saumur-Champigny (Rouge) appellations, has rightfully become one of the greatest examples of high achievement in biodynamic vine growing in France. We put him up there with the greats: Abbatucci in Corsica, Ganevat in the Jura, Ostertag in Alsace. His total dedication to site specific wines produced from Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, his “parcellaires,” has produced some of the most exciting wines in the Loire Valley today.
Biodynamic. 100% Cabernet Franc. Thierry Germain’s amphora cuvees first appeared in 2013. Outre Terres, Out of the Earth, comes from 0.6 hectares of 20-year old vines rooted in the sand over limestone at Jeune de Carrefour – just walking distance from Saumur’s suburbs. Germain de-stems the fruit, before loading into a single 800-litre Georgian amphora for fermentation and maceration. After 8 months the wine is pressing onto season oak barrels for 12 months. Bottled directly from barrel, there is no suphur used in this cuvee at all.
Tasting Notes
A beautiful wine, sapid, aromas of berries and Peony red. A dense tannic structure continues to raise the wine to heights and combines with a lot of delicacy and freshness.
Wines
From Domaine des Roches Neuves
Bulles de Roche
Terres Chaudes
Franc de Pieds
Clos de L’Esceliers Blanc
Outre Terre
