Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : Les Mémoires 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Saumur-Champigny "Les Mémoires" 2023 by Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a ruby-garnet red hue, particularly deep, intense and concentrated.

Nose
The bouquet opens with refreshing notes of menthol, intertwined with aromas of red fruit liqueur, wild strawberry and star anise. A mineral thread marked by flint and graphite comes through. After around thirty minutes of aeration, floral notes, sweet spices, coffee and cocoa emerge to enrich this aromatic palette.

Palate
The attack is direct and powerful, introducing a velvety and sensual texture. The silky mouthfeel is underpinned by present yet perfectly integrated tannins. The long, energetic finish extends the tasting experience with great elegance.

Food and wine pairings
This red wine pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats, as well as beef tartare. It also complements game dishes, such as duck or venison, particularly when served with reduced sauces.

Serving and storage
To fully appreciate the complexity of Saumur-Champigny "Les Mémoires" 2023, it is recommended to let it breathe for thirty minutes to an hour before serving. This wine has the ageing potential to continue developing beautifully over the years.

The Quintessence of a Historic Saumur-Champigny Terroir

The estate
Founded in 1850 by the Duveau family, Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves is an iconic estate in the Loire Valley. Taken over in 1991 by Thierry Germain, later joined by his wife Marie, the estate now spans 28 hectares. A pioneer in its field, the estate has been certified biodynamic since 2005, placing the observation of nature at the heart of its philosophy. Today, the transition to the next generation is under way, with their children Louis overseeing winemaking and Jeanne continuing the tradition of working the soil with a draft horse, thereby preserving the identity of these terroirs.

The vineyard
This cuvée comes from a historic 0.7-hectare plot located in Dampierre-sur-Loire, within the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Planted in 1904, these very old vines thrive on a terroir made up of flint scree over a subsoil of Upper Turonian tuffeau limestone. This geology acts like a sponge, retaining water and releasing it during dry periods. The vineyard is cultivated according to rigorous biodynamic principles, encouraging deep rooting and an authentic expression of the site.

The vintage
In the region, 2023 was marked by contrasting climatic conditions depending on the area. On this particular terroir, the growing season unfolded in a balanced manner. Thanks to their deep root systems, the century-old vines withstood any summer water stress remarkably well. Careful management allowed for optimal phenolic ripeness to be reached gradually, without excessive concentration caused by heat.

Winemaking and ageing
The grapes for Saumur-Champigny "Les Mémoires" 2023 are hand-harvested into small crates, followed by meticulous sorting on a vibrating table. Fermentation is initiated using indigenous yeasts in a cone-shaped vat, with temperatures carefully controlled between 16 and 22°C. After a moderate maceration period of ten to fifteen days, the wine is aged in a large rounded oak foudre for twelve to eighteen months, allowing for gentle micro-oxygenation without imparting a woody character to the aromatic profile.

Grape variety
Cabernet Franc (100%).