Originally from Bordeaux, Thierry Germain struck out from his winemaking family, coming to the Loire Valley in 1991 and buying an existing property. He quickly converted to organic methods and, later, embraced biodynamic viticulture under the mentorship of Charly Foucault of Clos Rougeard, fully integrating this approach by 2005. ❤️This deep connection to his vineyards allowed Germain to develop a profound understanding of the intricate web of activity from soil to fruit. This biodynamic approach, while now more common, was novel when Thierry first began his winemaking journey.

The porous tuffeau limestone is a key asset of Domaine des Roches Neuves, storing and redistributing humidity during droughts to benefit Germain's Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. The nearby Loire River and Forest of Fontevraud also contribute to an ideal microclimate. The varied chalky, sandy and clay soils across his property enable diverse expressions of these two grape varieties.

Germain's commitment to meticulous, land-respecting, soulful winemaking earned critical acclaim, receiving 3-star ratings by La Revue du Vins de France. However, in 2013, a devastating brain injury left Germain with memory loss and disorientation, gravely compromising his technical winemaking abilities.

Yet, through his unwavering passion for the land, Germain persevered. 🙌🏻 Rather than relying on technical know-how, he learned to make wines "with emotions", attuned to the delicate nuances of his beloved vineyards. His biodynamic approach became the guiding force that allowed him to transcend his physical limitations, enabling him to produce wines that capture the essence of his unique terroir. Memories fade, but the soil's voice guides.

Germain's dedication to site-specific expressions of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc has allowed him to craft some of the most exciting and soulful wines in the Loire Valley. While the top cuvees see some oak aging, the intense fruit flavors ensure the wood influence never dominates.

He now makes wine "on the vine", with the hard work done in the vineyard, resulting in bottlings that convey a profound connection to the land, and heart.💕

Wine critic Michel Bettane once wrote on Revue du Vin de France, “One of the elite wine-growers, (Germain) gathers exceptionally ripe grapes which give a unique smoothness and velvety texture to his wines... Indefatigable, he continues to progress in refining each of his cuvées. All of his wines are superb, but not easy to obtain because the demand for them is so great”.

SPECIAL OFFER:
ENJOY 12% OFF DISCOUNT ON ALL wines from Domaine des Roches Neuves

Promotion period: until Aug 21, 2024

1/ Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny Terres Chaudes 2018 - Bt | VNS92
(12% Off) HK$200 ▷ HK$176

Sourced from 25-45 year old vines from the Les Poyeux lieu-dit in Chacé. The calcareous soil and blend of clay and sand gives the wine a nice spicy character and smooth, approachable tannins.

Tasting note

From Les Poyeux, one of Saumur-Champigny’s top vineyard sites. Aged 12 months in older barrels. Dark ruby. Surprising freshness and purity here. The nose is fruity (cherry and plum), and that carries on to the palate. Attractive earthiness and smooth stone at midpalate, coddled at the edges by spice and licorice that glide to the long finish.

-92, Jason Wilson, Vinous.com, July 2020

2/ Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny La Marginale 2018 - Bt | VNS94
(12% Off) HK$265 ▷ HK$233

Only produced in exceptional vintages. this cuvee is a selection of the best grapes from 50-year-old vines on clay-limestone soils of Fosse de Chaintrés, and aged in new oak. This is an intensely concentrated, mineral-toned wine with dark fruits, Cabernet Franc spice, and a full-bodied palate of blackcurrant and red berries.

Tasting note

Seamless, balanced and ageworthy. Aged 12 months in 25-hectoliter barrel. Nose full of roses and violets. Silky and cool in the mouth, with fresh plum and black cherry. Finishes full of graphite and crushed stone and a lingering licorice note. Needs a couple years, but this will be exceptional.

-94, Jason Wilson, Vinous.com, July 2020

3/ Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny Clos de l'Echelier 2018 - Bt | VNS96
(12% Off) HK$280 ▷ HK$246

Clos de l'Echelier boasts a very thin, clay-based soil (30-50 cm) over limestone bedrock, with 40-year-old vines sinking their roots deep into the limestone and producing ripe grapes that embody the essence of the site's renowned Turonian limestone terroir.

Tasting note

Dark, brooding, muscular style. From 40-year-old vines surrounded by a 300-year-old wall. Aged 12 months in 12-hectoliter barrels. The nose is full of dark mineral aromas – asphalt, struck stone, smoke – along with lovely notes of rose. Expansive on the palate, featuring an attractive, rich bloodiness in the mouth, with lots of black fruit and pepper. Very intense on the finish. Incredible wine that walks that thrilling line of rusticity and elegance that can be challenging to achieve with Cabernet Franc.

-96, Jason Wilson, Vinous.com, July 2020

4/ Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny Clos de l'Echelier 2018 - 6 Bt Case | VNS96
(12% Off) HK$1680 ▷ HK$1476

Clos de l'Echelier boasts a very thin, clay-based soil (30-50 cm) over limestone bedrock, with 40-year-old vines sinking their roots deep into the limestone and producing ripe grapes that embody the essence of the site's renowned Turonian limestone terroir.

Tasting note

Dark, brooding, muscular style. From 40-year-old vines surrounded by a 300-year-old wall. Aged 12 months in 12-hectoliter barrels. The nose is full of dark mineral aromas – asphalt, struck stone, smoke – along with lovely notes of rose. Expansive on the palate, featuring an attractive, rich bloodiness in the mouth, with lots of black fruit and pepper. Very intense on the finish. Incredible wine that walks that thrilling line of rusticity and elegance that can be challenging to achieve with Cabernet Franc.

-96, Jason Wilson, Vinous.com, July 2020

5/ Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny Franc de Pied 2018 - Bt | VNS95
(12% Off) HK$320 ▷ HK$282

Franc de Pied is made from ungrafted vines planted on sandy soils. The vines are entirely worked by horses, and the wine is made with whole-bunch vinification.

Tasting note

Made from ungrafted vines that Thierry planted himself in Le Clos Bonnet. Aged one year in 12-hectoliter Austrian oak foudre. Beautiful nose of rose, violet, mint and spice. On the palate, fresh, pure and full of savory, herbal notes, fine tannins and deep minerality. The finish is long and elegant. A thinking person’s Cabernet Franc.

-95, Jason Wilson, Vinous.com, July 2020

Promotion period: until Aug 21, 2024

In stock now, and offered subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold. E. & O. E.

HK Local delivery is free for purchases at or over HK$1,500 on wines and Jancis Robinson Wine Glasses. Otherwise there is a HK$100 charge for orders below HK$1,500. A surcharge will be added to orders delivering to Discovery Bay, Ma Wan and Airport.