In the glass
Aroma: quince, honeysuckle, wet stone, yellow apple
Palate: pear, lemon zest, saline mineral, beeswax finish
Dry Saumur Chenin Blanc from old-vine tuffeau parcels. Thierry Germain's Demeter biodynamic white shows orchard fruit, beeswax and saline length.
What it pairs with
-
Roast turbot with beurre blanc
Loire butter sauce and the wine's pear-and-saline length are aligned. -
Crottin de Chavignol
Aged goat cheese and dry Chenin's wax-and-mineral register are textbook. -
Roast chicken with morels
Cream and mushroom meet the wine's beeswax-and-honeysuckle register.
History
L'Insolite is the estate's Saumur Chenin Blanc from old-vine tuffeau parcels. Thierry Germain bottled the cuvee from 1999 onward under Demeter biodynamic care.
- 1999 — First vintage of L'Insolite
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine des Roches Neuves
- Grapes
- Chenin Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Saumur AOC
- Oak
- 12 to 14 months in old oak demi-muids on lees, no new oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 28 to 42 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4 to 15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1999
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- DEMETER
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 92 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about L'Insolite
What does L'Insolite taste like?
Quince, honeysuckle, wet stone and yellow apple on the nose; pear, lemon zest, saline mineral and a beeswax finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long finish.
When should I drink L'Insolite?
Drink between 4 and 15 years from vintage. Serve at 10 to 12C; the wine opens with 30 minutes of air.
What food pairs with L'Insolite?
Roast turbot with beurre blanc, Crottin de Chavignol, and roast chicken with morels are all strong matches.
What grapes are in L'Insolite?
100 percent Chenin Blanc, from old-vine tuffeau parcels in the Saumur AOC, farmed under Demeter biodynamic certification.