In 2015, Germain’s vines that supply the ‘Domaine’ Saumur-Champigny were severely affected by frost, leading to huge losses. Unfortunately, the same occurred in 2016 and again in 2017.
This new bottling, then, has since been produced from a friend’s 25-year-old vineyard in Chaintres de Varrains, close to the Domaine itself, to make up some of the missing quantity. The harvesting is by hand, a cold soak infusion is employed on some of the parcels, and the wild yeast fermentation and élevage is in tank. As the wine comes from purchased fruit, it cannot be labelled Domaine des Roches Neuves, and so is simply labelled Thierry Germain.
This is classic Germain; soaring smoky and red fruit aromatics, with a juicy, punchy personality of jube-y, smoky, menthol-tinged fruit and a driven, fresh finish. Don’t serve it too cool, just line up the charcuterie and pop that cork.