Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : Terres Chaudes 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Saumur-Champigny "Terres Chaudes" 2024 by Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a beautiful red hue.

Nose
The bouquet reveals aromas of ripe black fruits and stone fruits, enriched by lovely floral complexity and notes of spice.

Palate
The palate offers a medium body supported by lively acidity. The finish stands out with a mineral thread, a true reflection of the tuffeau terroir.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with red meats such as roast lamb, pork or game. It also goes very well with white meats in sauce, mushroom-based dishes, parmesan polenta or aged hard cheeses.

Service and storage

Ready to enjoy from today, this "Terres Chaudes" 2024 can also be cellared for enjoyment until around 2034. For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve it between 15 and 16°C, taking care to decant it one hour before serving.

Other characteristics

This wine is bottled without fining or filtration, thus preserving its full authenticity and the natural expression of its terroir.

The elegance and purity of a great Saumur-Champigny wine

The estate

Founded in 1850 by the Duveau family, the estate is located in Varrains, in the heart of the Loire Valley in France. Acquired in 1991 by Thierry Germain and his wife Marie, who remain its owners to this day, the vineyard now spans 28 hectares. A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region, Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves stands out for its meticulous plot-by-plot approach and minimal-intervention winemaking. Joined by his son Louis in 2020, the estate produces wines renowned worldwide for their pure expression of terroir.

The vineyard

Hailing from the Saumur-Champigny appellation, this cuvée comes from the Les Poyeux lieu-dit, located in the commune of Chacé. The vines, with an average age of 35 to 45 years, thrive on chalky tuffeau soils mixed with sand and clay-limestone. The vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, with soil work carried out using a draft horse to preserve soil structure and promote biodiversity.

The vintage

The year 2024 benefited from warm, steady weather throughout the growing season. These favourable conditions allowed the grapes to reach excellent phenolic ripeness. Harvesting took place slightly earlier than usual in order to preserve full freshness and aromatic complexity.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are hand-harvested in small crates and then rigorously sorted. For this "Terres Chaudes" 2024, the harvest is fully destemmed before undergoing a few days of cold pre-fermentation maceration. Fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled concrete vats, accompanied by gentle pump-overs. Aging then takes place on fine lees for twelve months in large wooden foudres.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc