Loire, France
Saumur-Champigny AOC
Thierry Germain comes from a long line of Bordeaux winemakers. He arrived in the Loire in 1991, attracted by the region’s perfect balance of grape varietal, climate, and 'terroir'. The vineyard is worked in a natural way with the goal of keeping the vine and the soil at its healthiest. Since purchasing the estate in 1991, Thierry has turned it into one of the finest in France. The estate is run strictly along biodynamic lines, harvesting is manual and yields are low. Vinification is carried out only in small batches and the wines are neither filtered nor fined.
This is Cabernet Franc in one of the best and purest expressions you'll find. There's elegant black cherry, scents of violets, sweet raspberry, game meat, earthy mushrooms, graphite and a hint of smokiness near the finish. This is balanced but lively with a harmonious sense to all the parts and a texture that deserves more than a written description.
Great to contemplate on its own or alongside some hard cheeses, charcuterie, veal chops, lamb, vegetable lasagna or ratatouille.