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Domain: Domaine des Roches Neuves

This week we are delighted to introduce you to one of our favourite domains, a domain which reminds us why we love our profession: it allows us to discover and get to know inspiring producers, such as Domaine des Roches Neuves. Thierry Germain produces superb, biodynamic Saumur and Saumur-Champigny, characterised by the freshness of their fruit and their rare elegance.

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!