Domaine des Roches Neuves L'Insolite Saumur Blanc 2023 white

Domaine des Roches Neuves L’Insolite 2023 is an expressive Saumur Blanc made from old-vine Chenin Blanc by Thierry Germain. True to its name—“the unusual”—the wine combines remarkable density and texture with striking freshness and lift, offering a distinctive interpretation of Loire Valley Chenin. Its balance between substance, minerality and energy makes it a compelling choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring.

Tasting Notes
The wine shows a bright, pale golden colour. Its discreet yet layered bouquet reveals notes of honeydew melon, yellow apple and citrus zest, supported by subtle mineral and stony nuances. On the palate, it is concentrated and finely textured, with generous fruit, crisp acidity and a lightly saline, mineral finish. The extended lees ageing adds depth and a creamy impression without compromising the wine’s freshness. L’Insolite is already approachable in its youth, but its structure and natural concentration suggest very good ageing potential. Stored in a cool, dark cellar, it should develop further complexity over the next several years, with the fruit gradually giving way to more pronounced honeyed, nutty and mineral tones.

Production
The Chenin Blanc vines, up to 80 years old, are rooted in calcareous clay soils with layers of silt, sand and occasional flint—terroir that contributes both texture and mineral freshness. The grapes were harvested strictly by hand in several selective passes and gently pressed over a number of hours to extract richness from the skins. Fermentation took place spontaneously over approximately four months in 1,200-litre wooden casks, followed by a further twelve months on the fine lees. The wine was bottled without clarification, with only light filtration and minimal sulphur added at bottling.

Food & Serving
Its combination of richness and acidity makes L’Insolite a versatile partner for food. Serve it with grilled or roasted fish, shellfish, lobster, scallops, poultry in a light cream sauce, or dishes featuring goat’s cheese. It also works beautifully with vegetable dishes such as asparagus, leek and fennel, as well as mildly spiced cuisine. Serve at around 10–12°C. Decanting is not essential, but a short decant or 20–30 minutes in the glass can help reveal the wine’s full aromatic depth.

Producer
Domaine des Roches Neuves is the Saumur estate of Thierry Germain, one of the Loire Valley’s most respected modern winemakers. Based in Varrains in the Saumur-Champigny area, the domaine is known for its careful work with old vines, limestone terroirs and low-intervention cellar practices. Thierry Germain has played an important role in demonstrating the precision, depth and ageability that Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc can achieve in the Saumur region. The estate’s biodynamic approach and emphasis on expressive, site-driven wines have earned it a strong reputation among Loire specialists.

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