Domaine Des Roches Neuves Saumur Champigny

Serious wines are produced at this estate run by the charismatic Thierry Germain. His approach is closer to a Burgundy wine-maker than a typical Loire producer. This 50-acre domaine, situated in a superb viticultural location in the appellation of Saumur-Champigny, has been a winery since 1850. Germain, from a long line of Bordeaux winemakers, arrived here in 1991, attracted by the regions perfect balance of grape varietal, climate and 'terroir', which he considers one of the finest in France.

Cabernet Franc,

The vineyard is worked in a natural way with the goal of keeping the vine and the soil (Sandy, clay and limestone) at its healthiest and Thierry has become a fully-fledged advocate of biodynamics.

The harvest is manual, selecting grapes at their very ripest level. Vinification is handled in small batches with bottling un-fined and unfiltered.

Fresh Cabernet Franc, ideal for chilling with fresh chops cooked over coals! The basic Cuvee Domaine is garnet with purple tints, exhibits lively aromas of irises, violets and red fruits, a balanced and ripe palate, harmonious and full and a smoky finish with subtle tannins. A cool and delicious natural red, the type of wine you drink bucket loads.

Nolan - I LOVE Cab Franc. It is known, ask any of my collegues. Thierry Germain is one of the undesputed kings of Cab Franc in the Loire valley and the only reason I don't drink more of this is because it is not cheap, this wine for me belongs in weekend treat budget instead of a casual Thursday night budget. Other than its evident quality, I think I mainly love this wine because it is perfect with two of my favourite things, drinking in the sun and BBQ. One thing I've come to realise is the sheer quality of wine you get for the price you pay in the Loire Valley. Yes a lot of it is in a medium to premium price tag, but for what you're getting in the Loire, you'd be paying a significantly higher price from other regions in France for a similar or lesser quality wine. Drink more Cab Franc, VIVE LA LOIRE!