Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : L'Echelier 2017

Tasting characteristics and advice for L'Echelier 2017 by Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves

Tasting

Appearance

With its pale, bright yellow hue, this wine stands out for its golden highlights.

Nose

The nose is lively and focused, expressing aromas of fresh citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, alongside notes of pear, white peach, and white flowers. Subtle toasted touches complete this elegant, complex bouquet.

Palate

The attack is clean and powerful, revealing a full, supple texture. Minerality comes through with intensity, bringing freshness and tension to the overall profile. The finish lingers with persistence, unveiling elegant bitter notes that give the wine remarkable precision.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine from the Loire pairs ideally with seafood, notably oysters and scallops, as well as grilled firm-fleshed fish. It also matches perfectly with shellfish such as lobster with beurre blanc and goat cheeses.

A biodynamic chenin blanc expressing the minerality of the Saumur terroir

The estate

Founded in 1850 by the Duveau family, the Domaine des Roches Neuves now spans 28 hectares in the Saumurois. Thierry Germain and his wife Marie took over the estate in 1992, when Thierry was only 23 years old. Representing the sixth generation of winemakers in his family, he profoundly transformed the domaine by embracing biodynamics and developing a vineyard approach rooted in respect for living things and attentive observation. Their children, Louis and Jeanne, are now actively involved in the family adventure. The estate has earned outstanding recognition with 3 stars in the Guide de la Revue du Vin de France and 5 stars from Bettane & Desseauve, establishing Thierry Germain among the exceptional producers of the Loire Valley.

The vineyard

Clos de l'Echelier, acquired in 2012 by Thierry Germain, is a historic walled vineyard dating back to the 18th century, located in the commune of Dampierre-sur-Loire. The chenin blanc vines take root in a clay-limestone terroir made up of around 30 centimeters of sandy topsoil over an Upper Turonian limestone subsoil. This Saumur terroir benefits from a distinctive microclimate, influenced by the proximity of the Loire and the Fontevraud forest. Tuffeau limestone, a porous stone characteristic of the region, naturally regulates the vine’s water supply. The estate practices an adapted, pragmatic biodynamic viticulture, including working certain parcels with horses.

The vintage

The year 2017 began with a mild, rainy winter, followed by a spring marked by a few cool spells. Summer was hot and sunny with periods of drought, before timely rains at the end of August allowed optimal ripening of the grapes, revealing generous, well-balanced berries.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for L'Echelier 2017 are harvested by hand and then pneumatically pressed for 4 hours. Fermentation takes place in large 600-liter oval foudres with indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged on fine lees for around 9 months, developing complexity and texture.

Grape variety

100% chenin blanc