Domaine des Roches Neuves Franc de Pied Saumur Champigny Bio 2017

Domaine des Roches Neuves Franc de Pied Saumur Champigny Bio 2017 is a pure, finely etched expression of Cabernet Franc from one of the Loire’s benchmark producers. Crafted from ungrafted vines (“franc de pied”) and farmed organically, this cuvée delivers striking clarity, lift and terroir detail. It stands out for its luminously fresh style and its ability to translate Saumur-Champigny’s chalky soils into a wine of tension, depth and elegance, firmly rooted in the region’s long tradition of Cabernet Franc.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Franc de Pied shows a bright, transparent ruby red with a delicate sheen, hinting at both freshness and finesse. The nose opens with floral notes—violets, peony and a touch of wild herbs—woven around redcurrant, raspberry and crunchy cherry, with subtle graphite and a light, stony edge in the background. On the palate, the wine is straight and precise, with juicy red-fruit flavors that feel both vibrant and refined. The present, lively acidity gives the wine lovely drive and depth, while ultra-fine tannins support a linear, almost crystalline structure. Savory, mineral nuances emerge on the finish, bringing a cool, chalky brightness that is very typical of top Saumur Champigny. Enjoyable now with a short aeration, it has the balance and tension to evolve gracefully over the next 6–8 years, gaining complexity while maintaining its freshness.

Production
The Franc de Pied cuvée is sourced from ungrafted Cabernet Franc vines rooted directly in the limestone-rich terroir of Saumur Champigny, an area renowned for its tuffeau (soft chalk) subsoils that impart lift and minerality. Certified organic (and often worked along biodynamic principles), the vineyards are tended by hand, with meticulous attention to canopy management and low yields to preserve concentration and purity of fruit. Harvesting is typically done manually in small crates to protect the berries, followed by careful sorting in the cellar. Vinification focuses on gentle extraction and preserving finesse: fermentation with native yeasts, moderate maceration and a restrained use of oak or neutral vessels, all designed to let the character of Cabernet Franc and its chalky soils speak clearly in the glass.

Food & Serving
This Saumur Champigny pairs beautifully with dishes that echo its elegance and freshness: think roast chicken with herbs, grilled pork tenderloin, charcuterie, rabbit terrine, or lighter lamb preparations. It also shines alongside earthy vegetable dishes—roasted beetroot, lentil salads, or mushroom-based plates—and semi-soft cheeses like Tomme, Saint-Nectaire or young goat’s cheese from the Loire. Serve at around 15–16°C to highlight its aromatic precision and silky texture. A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up, especially in its youth, revealing more florals and a deeper, stony complexity.

Producer
Thierry Germain’s Domaine des Roches Neuves is one of the most respected estates in Saumur Champigny and a leading voice for refined, terroir-driven Cabernet Franc in the Loire. Founded in the late 19th century and elevated to new heights after Germain took the reins in the 1990s, the domaine has become a reference point for organic and biodynamic viticulture in the region. Through low yields, precise vineyard work and a delicate, low-intervention approach in the cellar, Roches Neuves has helped redefine Saumur Champigny as a source of world-class, ageworthy reds. The estate’s wines, such as this Franc de Pied, are regularly praised by critics and sommeliers for their purity, energy and faithful expression of place.

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