Lot presentation

Saumur-Champigny La Marginale Domaine des Roches Neuves - Thierry Germain 1996

The wine

This cuvée is only produced in the very best vintages and is treated with the utmost care: manual harvesting, sorting on tables upon harvest and total destemming. Small yields result in well-concentrated fruit and fermentation in wood adds texture and depth. Elevage is carried out in barrels (228 and 400 litres) and ranges from 18 to 24 months. The colour is a deep garnet shade, with a nose reminiscent of blackberry and dark berries. The attack is pure and the tannins are fine, flavourful and racy. It boasts a long finish with aromas of paprika and mineral aspects.

About the Producer Domaine des Roches Neuves

Thierry Germain moved to Varrains in 1992, where he makes Saumur whites (from 3 hectares of Chenin) and Saumur-Champigny (from 19 hectares of Cabernet Franc). His philosophy is entirely based on the way in which he works the vines. "Science is useless when the grapes are of mediocre quality: if the vine is neglected, it cannot yield the desired nectar". This is why the domain is run entirely according to biodynamic principles (certified in 2005), in a bid to breathe new life into the soil. The wine-maker only intervenes in the plant's growth as a little added extra. Minimal intervention and natural, parcel-by-parcel vinification result in vintage after vintage of wines that are always different, never the same. Today, Thierry Germain is one of the best representatives of his generation, and has contributed to restoring the reputation of the Saumur appellation. He produces a sublime range, of a very high quality, among the finest wines of the appellation. A big favourite with the iDealwine team!