In the glass
Aroma: red plum, violet, wild herb, fresh tobacco
Palate: red cherry, fine tannin, saline mineral, elegant length
Thierry Germain's village-level Saumur-Champigny under Demeter biodynamic farming. Bright, lifted Cabernet Franc with violet and red plum over a saline mineral spine.
What it pairs with
-
Magret de canard with cherries
Duck and the wine's red plum and violet register align. -
Lamb shoulder confit
Slow-cooked lamb meets the wine's fine tannin and herbal lift. -
Goat-cheese tart with hazelnut
Loire goat cheese and Cabernet Franc are a regional cornerstone.
History
Thierry Germain took over Roches Neuves in 1991 and bottled Cuvee Domaine as the village-level Saumur-Champigny from 1992. Demeter biodynamic certification was achieved in 2007.
- 1991 — Thierry Germain takes over Roches Neuves
- 2007 — Demeter biodynamic certification confirmed
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine des Roches Neuves
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (100%)
- Classification
- Saumur-Champigny AOC
- Oak
- 12 to 14 months in old oak demi-muids, no new oak
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 22 to 30 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4 to 12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1992
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- DEMETER
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 91 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Cuvee Domaine
What does Cuvee Domaine taste like?
Red plum, violet, wild herb and fresh tobacco on the nose; red cherry, fine tannin, saline mineral and an elegant length on the palate. Medium-bodied with medium tannins and high acidity, long finish.
When should I drink Cuvee Domaine?
Drink between 4 and 12 years from vintage. Decant 30 minutes for young vintages.
What food pairs with Cuvee Domaine?
Magret de canard with cherries, lamb shoulder confit, and goat-cheese tart with hazelnut are all strong matches.
Is Cuvee Domaine vegan?
Yes. Thierry Germain works under Demeter biodynamic certification and avoids animal-derived fining agents.