Saumur Champigny Clos de l'Echelier 2023 Roches Neuves | Loire

The Saumur Champigny Clos de l'Échelier from Domaine des Roches Neuves illustrates the precision and purity of Thierry Germain's style. This 3-hectare plot on the left bank of the Loire rests on clay-limestone soils from the Upper Turonian, with only a thin layer of soil separating the parent rock from the surface. This poor, light-filled terroir gives the Cabernet Franc a racy, airy expression. The vines are grown organically and biodynamically, with extreme attention to detail. The grapes are harvested by hand, and fermented in low-temperature Stoeckinger truncated-cone vats to preserve the fruit's energy, before ageing to respect the wine's natural balance. True to his philosophy, Thierry Germain seeks the right vibration between substance and texture, between structure and grace.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: The Saumur Champigny Clos de l'Echelier from Domaine des Roches Neuves is a wine of balance and light. It expresses all the singularity of Loire limestone, with that rare alliance between tension and sensuality. It's a cuvée of great refinement, delivering Thierry Germain's sensitive interpretation of the Loire.

The nose opens with remarkable precision on pure aromas of fresh cherry and wild blueberry. The expression is delicate and airy, punctuated by light floral and menthol touches. The development in the glass reveals a beautiful spicy breadth, with nuances of licorice, pepper and rubbed stone.

On the palate, the wine's texture is silky, full and balanced. The fruit retains its liveliness, supported by a fine tannic structure and a limestone framework of great purity. The whole is distinguished by a rare harmony between density and freshness, where the brilliance of the Cabernet Franc is expressed with remarkable length. The finish stretches out with a long, lingering burst of juicy fruit and the minerality of the place.