Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : La Marginale 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of the "La Marginale" 2022 Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a deep ruby red, particularly intense and saturated.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals great complexity. It exudes scents of red and black fruit liqueur, mint and star anise, enhanced by spicy notes of vanilla, cinnamon and Sichuan pepper. Delicate floral touches of peony and violet intertwine with a mineral backbone reminiscent of graphite and chalk.

Palate
The attack is bold and powerful, opening onto a round, full and intensely fruity mid-palate. The texture stands out with velvety tannins, supported by a vibrant acidity that brings plenty of freshness. The long, persistent finish lingers on flavorful notes of black tea and blackberry.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with flavorful meats such as blood sausage with apples, thick pork chops, herb-crusted rack of lamb or braised oxtail. It also pairs very well with wild mushroom dishes and aged cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the "La Marginale" 2022, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 16 degrees Celsius, after decanting for thirty minutes to an hour. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to improve with cellaring, with a drinking window extending to around 2052.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

The masterful expression of a great Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley

The estate

Founded in 1850 in France by the Duveau family, the estate has established itself as a key reference in the Loire Valley. Now at the helm of this 28-hectare vineyard, Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves embodies a philosophy deeply respectful of living systems. Supported by his family, the current owner favors a biodynamic approach centered on balance, sensitivity and the authentic expression of terroir. This pursuit of excellence gives rise to wines of great purity that celebrate the richness of their region.

The vineyard

Hailing from the Saumur-Champigny appellation, this cuvée comes from a plot of about two hectares located in the Les Fosses de Chaîntres lieu-dit. The vines, around 45 years old, thrive on a distinctive terroir made up of very deep clay soils resting on a bedrock of calcareous tuffeau. The vineyard is cultivated according to biodynamic principles, with mechanical soil work, natural cover cropping and a complete absence of chemical herbicides, thereby fostering optimal biodiversity.

The vintage

The year 2022 stood out for its exceptional weather conditions, marked by unprecedented heat, severe drought and record sunshine. After a mild, dry winter, the early spring encouraged budbreak and flowering ahead of schedule, without any significant spring frosts. June rains helped build up sufficient water reserves ahead of a particularly hot summer, ensuring optimal ripening and perfect vine health right through to harvest.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes destined for the "La Marginale" 2022 are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before being destemmed. Fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts in large wooden vats, accompanied by very gentle pump-overs for a soft extraction. After a maceration period of 22 to 24 days, malolactic fermentation takes place in round wooden vats. The wine is then aged on fine lees for twelve months, exclusively in neutral oak foudres. It is bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Franc