Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : Outre Terre 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for Outre Terre 2024

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a deep, vibrant red.

Nose
The nose reveals a complex, floral bouquet, marked by scents of peony. It then opens onto spicy, earthy notes evoking cedar and juniper, along with a delicate touch of bitter orange.

Palate
The attack on the palate is full-bodied and dense. This red wine unfurls fine, powdery tannins, perfectly balanced by a lovely tangy freshness. The finish stretches out with elegance, offering a mouth-watering minerality and subtle spicy notes.

Food and wine pairing

This "Outre Terre" cuvée pairs wonderfully with dishes boasting earthy, herbaceous flavours. It will ideally accompany a lamb navarin with aromatic herbs, roast poultry in a herb crust, or sautéed forest mushrooms. Artisanal cured meats will also highlight the full complexity of this wine.

The pure expression of Cabernet Franc from Saumur-Champigny by Domaine des Roches Neuves

The estate

Founded in 1850 in the Loire Valley, the essential Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves underwent a genuine turning point in 1991 when it was taken over by Thierry and Marie Germain. Now at the helm of this 28-hectare vineyard, the owner distinguishes himself through his meticulous plot-by-plot approach and his deep commitment to biodynamics. Located at the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, the estate is internationally recognised for wines that combine freshness, balance and an authentic expression of terroir.

The vineyard

The vines destined for the "Outre Terre" cuvée thrive on the terroirs of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. The vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate, regulated by the proximity of the river and the Fontevraud forest. The soils, composed of chalky tuffeau, clay and sand, ensure excellent water regulation. The grapes come from very old vines, some of them a century old, cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles, with high trellising and shoot wrapping to preserve the foliage.

The vintage

2024 was marked by particularly variable weather in the region. While the vines were spared from spring frost episodes, climatic fluctuations demanded constant attention and very precise harvest decisions, plot by plot, to guarantee optimal berry ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

The 2024 "Outre Terre" cuvée stands out for its singular production process. Fermentation takes place over eight months in 800-litre Georgian amphorae, allowing prolonged contact with the skins and stems, as well as a gentle, natural micro-oxygenation. The wine is then transferred to oak barrels for a further twelve months of ageing, lending structure and complexity, before bottling without filtration.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc.