Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : Clos Romans 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes of the "Clos Romans" 2024 by Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves

Tasting

Appearance
Clear and crystalline, it reveals a beautiful straw-yellow hue reminiscent of pale gold.

Nose
Concentrated and dynamic, it offers a generous aromatic palette blending exotic fruits and white grapes with delicate floral notes of acacia, hawthorn and rose, underlined by a subtle vegetal hint.

Palate
Broad and generous, it reveals a complex architecture where flavours of pure white fruits, exotic fruits and vibrant citrus such as pink grapefruit and lemon intertwine. Endowed with fine density and crystalline elegance, it is supported by a savoury acidity and a chalky, iodised minerality. The remarkably long finish stands out for its persistent salinity and subtly integrated oak.

Food and wine pairings

This dry white wine pairs wonderfully with seafood such as warm oysters, prawns in beurre blanc or snails. It also accompanies delicate white fish, a Milanese veal escalope, salmon rillettes with dill, as well as fresh or semi-dry goat cheeses such as Valençay.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate the Clos Romans 2024, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 12 and 14°C, after aerating for at least one hour. This wine for laying down can be kept and enjoyed until around 2035.

The pure and mineral expression of a white wine from Saumur

The estate

Founded in 1850 in the Loire Valley, the estate now extends over 28 hectares. Taken over in 1991 by Thierry and Marie Germain, who are its current owners alongside their children Louis and Jeanne, it has established itself as an essential benchmark. Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves stands out for a respectful approach to living things, favouring animal traction and gentle farming practices. This renowned vineyard, awarded three stars in the Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France, illustrates a successful family transmission and a constant quest for authenticity.

The vineyard

Located in the commune of Varrains, at the heart of the Saumur appellation, the Clos Romans plot is enclosed by medieval walls dating from the eleventh century. The vines, around eighty years old, thrive on a singular terroir composed of a layer of clayey sand resting on a deep bedrock of Senonian limestone tuffeau. This privileged microclimate benefits from the regulating influence of the river, its tributaries and the Fontevraud forest.

Winemaking and aging

The Clos Romans 2024 grapes are harvested by hand in small crates to preserve the integrity of the berries. After a gentle four-hour pneumatic pressing, alcoholic fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts in oval barrels of 400 to 600 litres, for one to two months. Ageing then continues on fine lees for nine months in the coolness of the underground cellars. The wine undergoes neither fining nor aggressive filtration, ensuring an authentic expression.

Grape variety

100% Chenin Blanc.