Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : La Marginale 2024

The elegance and complexity of a Saumur-Champigny red 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. Since 1992, Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves has embodied excellence in the region. Now at the helm of the estate with his wife Marie and their children Jeanne and Louis, the winegrower has raised this roughly 28-hectare vineyard to the pinnacle of its appellation. A trailblazer, he applies the principles of biodynamics with a sensitive approach, even using animal traction to enhance the expression of his terroirs.

The vineyard

The vines dedicated to this cuvée flourish in the prestigious Saumur-Champigny appellation. The terroir is characterized by a great diversity of soils, blending the famous tuffeau limestone with clay-limestone, sandy, and silty-flint formations. The vineyard benefits from a mild microclimate with oceanic influence, naturally regulated by the proximity of the river, its tributaries, and the Fontevraud forest. Part of the land is even worked with horses to preserve the life of the soils.

The vintage

The year was marked by particularly harsh climatic conditions for the vines. The growing cycle had to contend with a destructive spring frost, followed by excessive summer rainfall that encouraged the development of foliage diseases. Despite these challenges, rigorous sorting made it possible to harvest berries of great quality, with yields limited to 35 hectoliters per hectare.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, the vinification of La Marginale 2024 begins with fermentation in wooden vats with very gentle pump-overs. Maceration lasts 22 to 24 days to gently extract the aromas. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in 125-hectoliter round wooden vats. Finally, the wine undergoes 12 months of aging, split between 228-liter barrels and large foudres.

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc (100%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for La Marginale 2024

Tasting notes

Color
The color reveals an intense, brilliant ruby hue, highlighted by subtle purple hints at the rim of the glass. It stands out for its beautiful density and concentration.

Nose
Remarkably complex, the nose opens with aromas of red fruit liqueur, raspberry, tangy cherry, blackcurrant, and blackberry. It then reveals refreshing notes of mint and star anise, harmoniously rounded out by spicy touches of vanilla, cinnamon, and Sichuan pepper from its aging.

Palate
The attack is bold and powerful, carried by a beautiful minerality. The palate offers a velvety texture and preserved acidity that highlights an intense fruitiness. The tannins are silky, delicate, and refined. Flavors of ripe red fruit, coffee, cocoa, jasmine, and forest floor come through. The finish is clean, rich, and remarkably persistent.

Service and storage

For an optimal tasting experience, this wine should be served at a temperature between 15 and 16°C, and decanted about an hour beforehand. It can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop in the cellar and can be enjoyed through to around 2044.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with black pudding with apples, a beautiful grilled pork chop, a herb-crusted rack of lamb, or slow-cooked dishes such as oxtail or beef braised with root vegetables.