ROCHES NEUVES 2025 SAUMUR CHAMPIGNY THIERRY GERMAIN

100% Cabernet Franc. Biodynamic. Germain’s entry-point Saumur-Champigny is drawn from the Domaine’s younger Cabernet Franc vines, growing on the tuffeau/limestone soils around the communes of Varrains, Chaintres and Saumur. The vines range in age from 5-70 years old (with the average sitting around 25 years) and include some parcels ploughed by Germain’s Ardennais draft horses: Ben, Balbu and Comtesse. Harvesting is by hand, a cold soak infusion is employed on some of the parcels, and the wild yeast fermentation and élevage is now carried out only in tank. Aside from a minor 10 ppm SO2 at bottling, this cuvée is raised without any additions at all. As an entry-level wine, this is (again) a killer; darker and meatier than the Les Roches, expect loads of powdery dark cherry and blackberry fruits and fine tannins keeping the palate fresh and vibrant. Just a stunning wine for the money.