Domaine des Roches Neuves Cabernet Franc - Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, France
Producer's Notes:
This fresh Cabernet Franc offers lively aromas of irises, violets, and red fruits; a balanced, ripe, harmonious, full palate; and a smoky finish with subtle tannins. Germain comes from a long line of Bordeaux winemakers. He arrived in the Loire in 1991, attracted by the region's perfect balance of grape varietals, climate, and 'terroir'. The vineyard is farmed naturally, using biodynamic and organic methods, to keep the vine and soil as healthy as possible.
What we say:
A pure expression of the grape in the Loire Valley: bright, juicy, floral, and fresh rather than heavy or overly tannic. The wine is particularly representative of Thierry Germain’s approach to Saumur-Champigny—making Cabernet Franc that emphasizes fruit, elegance, freshness and the character of the limestone-rich soils. The region's underlying tuffeau limestone is fundamental to the domaine's identity. This porous, chalky rock retains water and releases it during drought. The vineyards also include varying combinations of chalk, sand, clay, and limestone, giving Germain the opportunity to produce wines that express Cabernet Franc in different ways.
This wine has enough substance to accompany food but remains extremely easy to drink, thanks to its juicy, energetic feel, bright acidity, supple tannins, and refreshing finish.
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Style: Red - Dry, medium-bodied, organic, biodynamic, low sulphite
Alcohol: 13%
Drink Window: Now - 15+ years
Perfect For: Charcuterie, hard cheese, lamb, veal chops
An elegant, biodynamically crafted Saumur-Champigny that pairs vibrant red-fruit character with fine minerality, lively acidity, and a beautifully fresh, silky finish.
