Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : Franc de Pied 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Saumur-Champigny "Franc de Pied" 2024 by Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves

Tasting

Colour
Red in colour, the wine reveals a beautiful, radiant ruby hue, enhanced by cherry and violet nuances. Its clarity and brilliance testify to great youth, with no trace of oxidative evolution.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out for its delicacy, dominated by floral scents and fresh red berry notes such as raspberry, strawberry and cherry. Subtle herbaceous touches complete this remarkably pure olfactory profile.

Palate
The attack is frank and direct, offering a crisp, juicy sensation carried by lovely natural acidity. The tannins, though present, are particularly refined and smooth. The mid-palate reveals fine amplitude and an unexpected depth for such an airy structure. The finish, remarkably long, lingers on floral notes and a refreshing mineral tension.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with raw or lightly cooked meats, such as beef tartare, as well as with game such as duck or venison. It also pairs very well with grilled vegetables with smoky notes or full-flavoured aged cheeses.

Serving and storage

To fully appreciate this 2024 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 17°C. This wine can be enjoyed young to make the most of its bright fruit character, but it will continue to evolve favourably in the cellar and can be enjoyed until around 2034.

The elegance of an ungrafted Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley

The estate

Founded in 1850 by the Duveau family, the estate is located in Varrains. Since 1991, Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves has been run by Thierry Germain, now supported by his wife Marie and their son Louis. A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region, the estate oversees a fragmented vineyard of 28 hectares. The estate stands out for its meticulous plot-by-plot approach and its determination to produce authentic wines that faithfully reflect the uniqueness of their terroirs.

The vineyard

From the Saumur-Champigny appellation, this cuvée comes from a tiny plot planted in 2004. The distinctiveness of this terroir lies in its soil, made up of six metres of pure sand dating from the Senonian period, mixed with flint and sandstone pebbles. These unique geological conditions allow for the cultivation of ungrafted vines. The vineyard is managed with a high planting density trained on stakes, and all work, including the harvest, is carried out by hand.

The vintage

The year was marked by rather cool weather conditions, which influenced the vegetative cycle and the ripening of the berries during this season.

Winemaking and aging

After rigorous manual sorting, vinification takes place using a minimal-intervention approach. Fermentation occurs in oval oak or concrete vats using indigenous yeasts, with a significant proportion of whole bunches. Maceration is short, maintained at gentle temperatures. Aging then continues for around twelve months in large 1,200-litre oak barrels, with no use of new oak, in order to preserve the brightness of the fruit.

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc (100%).