Domaine des Roches Neuves - Thierry Germain

History of Domaine des Roches Neuves  

The history of Domaine des Roches Neuves begins in 1850, under the aegis of the Duveau family, deeply rooted in the Saumur region. At its origins, the vineyard extends over 12 hectares of Cabernet Franc, the king grape variety of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. It was not until the mid-1980s that the estate took a decisive turn with Denis Duveau, trained in oenology in Bordeaux. Inspired by figures such as Charlie Foucault of Clos Rougeard, he created "La Marginale", a bold cuvée distinguished by its marked aging, seducing major Parisian restaurateurs and laying the foundations for national renown.

In 1991, Denis Duveau sold the estate to pursue his winemaking adventure in Chile. The vineyard then passed under the management of Union Française de Gestion, which entrusted it to Thierry and Marie Germain via a 20-year lease agreement. Thierry, from a line of Bordeaux winemakers, sixth generation and son of Bernard Germain, former owner of Château de Fesles, brought with him an ambitious vision. Despite a devastating frost that year, the couple took on the challenge with passion. In 1996, they enriched the estate with 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc and 2 hectares of Chenin, before converting the vines to organic farming in the late 90s, then to biodynamics in the early 2000s.

In 2012, having become owners of the land, Thierry and Marie further expanded the vineyard with the acquisition of prestigious parcels such as Clos de l'Échelier and Les Mémoires. Their children, Louis and Jeanne, joined the adventure: Louis in 2020, with experience in biodynamics in New Zealand, and Jeanne in 2018, taking charge of horse work on 4 hectares. Today, Domaine des Roches Neuves shines among the stars of the Loire Valley, driven by a philosophy resolutely focused on the living.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine des Roches Neuves  

Domaine des Roches Neuves owes its excellence to the richness of its terroir, dominated by tuffeau limestone, a porous rock typical of the Saumur region. This unique subsoil stores moisture and releases it to the vines during dry periods, ensuring grapes of exceptional quality. Added to this is a privileged microclimate, influenced by the Loire, its tributaries and the Fontevraud forest, which moderates climatic variations. The soils, of great diversity—chalky, sandy or clayey—offer an infinite palette of expressions for the estate's two emblematic grape varieties: Cabernet Franc for reds and Chenin for whites.  

Spread over 61 parcels and 28 hectares, the vineyard has been conducted in biodynamics since 2004, an approach refined by Thierry Germain to enhance each terroir. Practices include vines that are rolled rather than trimmed, naturally favored biodiversity and the partial use of animal traction with horses Ben and Comtesse, managed by Jeanne. Historic parcels such as Les Mémoires, planted in 1904, or Clos Romans, replanted at high density with 10,000 vines per hectare, testify to this quest for harmony between the plant, the soil and the environment. This mosaic of terroirs gives the wines a marked identity, combining freshness, minerality and complexity.

Vinifications at Domaine des Roches Neuves  

At Domaine des Roches Neuves, vinification is an art that combines precision and respect for the fruit. The winery, entirely renovated, allows for parcel-based and temperature-controlled vinifications, adapted to each terroir. The harvests, carried out by hand at full maturity, are guided by tasting the berries, ensuring optimal balance. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, with whole clusters, with short macerations (8 to 10 days versus 30 previously) to limit extraction and favor finesse.  

The aging process varies according to the cuvées: stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, large barrels or barriques for more complex wines, and even Georgian or Italian amphorae for unique expressions such as Outre Terre or Terres. Sulfur is used sparingly (20 mg/l after malolactic fermentation), and vacuum bottling ensures impeccable purity. This minimalist approach, combined with constant attention to sensory perception, reveals vibrant wines, faithful to their terroir and Thierry Germain's contemporary style.

The Cuvées of Domaine des Roches Neuves  

Red Wines Saumur-Champigny (Cabernet Franc)  

Cuvée Domaine 

A bright ruby red with red fruit aromas, fresh and airy on the palate with beautiful acidity. From clay-limestone terroirs, it is vinified in stainless steel tanks (16-22°C) and aged on fine lees without sulfur.  

Terres Chaudes 

Intense ruby hue, complex nose of red fruits, flowers and spices, supple palate with eucalyptus notes. Aged one year in a truncated tank on fine lees, this wine comes from calcareous clay-sandy soils (yield 45 hl/ha).  

La Marginale 

Powerful and spicy, with an intense ruby hue and mentholated nose, it offers a rich finish. Born from south-facing Turonian clay-limestone soils (35 hl/ha), it matures 12 months in large barrels.  

Clos de l'Échelier 

Elegant, with a bright red hue, cherry nose and ample palate, it comes from upper Turonian terroir, vinified in a Stoeckinger truncated tank (16-24°C).  

Les Mémoires 

Sensual and mineral, this cuvée with a mentholated nose comes from century-old vines (1904) on flint scree and limestone, fermented in an open cement tank.  

Outre Terre 

Floral (peony) and ample, vinified 4 months in Georgian amphora without sulfur or filtration, it rests on sandy limestone terroir.  

Franc de Pied 

Crisp and juicy, with a brilliant ruby hue, it comes from dense vines (10,000 vines/ha) on sandy soils, worked with horses and fermented in an oval tank.  

White Wines Saumur (Chenin)  

L'Échelier 

Crystalline straw-yellow hue, fruity and floral nose, powerful and mineral palate. From upper Turonian terroir, worked manually, fermented in oval barrels and aged 9 months on lees.  

Clos Romans  

Complex and luminous, with aromas of white fruits and citrus, this wine comes from Senonian clay-limestone terroir, worked with horses, fermented in barrels and aged 9 months on lees.  

Terres 

An orange wine with a golden straw-yellow hue, fresh and mineral nose, round palate with citrus notes. From flint on limestone, it macerates for 4 months in an Italian amphora without sulfur or filtration.  

If Domaine des Roches Neuves has captivated you with its excellence and authenticity, the Saumur region is full of other wine treasures to explore. Estates such as Clos Rougeard, a legendary reference for Saumur-Champigny, or Domaine du Collier, with its Chenins of remarkable purity, are well worth a visit. Antoine Sanzay and Guiberteau shine through their artisanal approach, while La Porte Saint Jean and Clos de l'Écotard offer unique expressions of the terroir. Not to mention Vieux Pressoir and Xavier Caillard, which complete this mosaic of talents. Set out to discover these gems and let yourself be enchanted by the diversity of Saumur wines!

Domaine des Roches Neuves, driven by the vision of Thierry and Marie Germain, embodies the excellence of the Loire Valley. With its 28 hectares cultivated in biodynamics, its exceptional terroirs and precise vinifications, it produces red and white wines of rare authenticity, blending freshness, tension and emotion. The cuvées, from the fruity Cuvée Domaine to the intense La Marginale, including vibrant whites such as Clos Romans, captivate enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Joined by Louis and Jeanne, the estate is part of a family dynamic focused on the future, while respecting its heritage.