Roches Neuves "Franc de Pied" Saumur-Champigny Rouge '21

Roches Neuves is the name of Thierry Germain’s domaine, whose vineyards are planted in the Saumur (Blanc) and Saumur-Champigny (Rouge) appellations. He has become renown for biodynamic vine growing in France and is focused on site-specific wines produced from Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. His wines are among the most brilliant being made in the Loire Valley today.

Thierry relocated to the Loire from Bordeaux in the early 1990s and soon fell under the influence of Charly Foucault of Clos Rougeard. Thierry would ultimately convert his entire domaine to biodynamic viticulture, guiding by the vines to change his thinking and approach to winemaking. Thierry harvests relatively early to preserve the fresh, vibrant character of the fruit. His goal is to produce Cabernet Franc with purity, finesse, and drinkability, while avoiding rusticity, vegetal character, and hard tannins. Aging for the reds takes place in round foudres and demi-muids, in Thierry’s frigid tuffeaucellars below his winery in Varrains.

In 2020, Thierry's son, Louis, joined the domaine after working in other wine regions in France and abroad. He has gradually taken on more responsibility, learning and managing all aspects of the domaine. Since 2018, his sister, Jeanne, has managed their two plow horses, Ben and Comtesse, who work four hectares of the domaine’s vineyards.
 
“Franc de Pied,” made from Cabernet Franc vines that are planted on their own roots in sandy soils, shows the full spectrum of classic Cabernet Franc notes, a great balance of fruity and savory flavors, with raspberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant, violets, green bell pepper, sage, tobacco, and cedar. Dry on the palate, it is medium bodied, with medium-plus acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a long, energetic finish.

Excellent with roasted chicken and vegetables, try it as well with a pepper-steak stir-fry or tomato-based dishes.