Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2018: best 2024 to 2038.
vintage6 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2020201892/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackcurrant, violet, graphite, iron

Palate: cassis, dark cherry, fine tannin, long mineral length

Old-vine Cabernet Franc from clay-limestone parcels. The estate's structured mid-range cuvee, sitting between Cuvee Domaine and Clos de l'Echelier in profile.

What it pairs with

  • Beef cheek braised in red wine
    Long-cooked beef and red-wine reduction meet the wine's iron and graphite spine.
  • Roast lamb with thyme and garlic
    Herbal lamb and the wine's tobacco-violet register align.
  • Mature Beaufort 24 months
    Crystalline alpine cheese sharpens the wine's saline mineral length.

History

Marginale is Thierry Germain's old-vine Saumur-Champigny from clay-limestone parcels. The cuvee sits between the village-level Cuvee Domaine and the single-vineyard Clos de l'Echelier.

  1. 1995: First vintage of Marginale

Facts

Producer
Domaine des Roches Neuves · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification
Saumur-Champigny AOC
Oak
16 to 20 months in oak demi-muids, around 20 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 38 to 60 at retail
Drinking window
6 to 20 from vintage
First vintage
1995
Biodynamic
Demeter Certified
Organic
DEMETER
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Marginale

What does Marginale taste like?

Blackcurrant, violet, graphite and iron on the nose; cassis, dark cherry, fine tannin and a long mineral length on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Marginale?

Drink between 6 and 20 years from vintage. Decant 45 to 60 minutes for young vintages.

What food pairs with Marginale?

Beef cheek braised in red wine, roast lamb with thyme and garlic, and mature Beaufort 24 months are all strong matches.

What grapes are in Marginale?

100 percent Cabernet Franc, from old-vine clay-limestone parcels at Domaine des Roches Neuves, farmed under Demeter biodynamic certification.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified cabernet franc cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body high acid mood elegant mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat price premium still red vegan

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