Thierry Germain ‘L’Insolite’ Saumur Blanc, Loire Valley, France 2023
Regular price
$46.00
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Thierry Germain of Domaine des Roches Neuves is one of the Loire Valley’s most acclaimed biodynamic producers, known for crafting wines that capture both the purity and texture of Saumur’s limestone terroir. ‘L’Insolite’—meaning “the unusual”—is his flagship Chenin Blanc, made from 90-year-old vines that deliver remarkable depth and minerality.
- WINEMAKER: Thierry Germain farms all his vineyards biodynamically, following a philosophy of minimal intervention and deep respect for the living ecosystem of his vines.
- FARMING: Certified Biodynamic (Ecovin & Biodyvin).
- VARIETY: 100% Chenin Blanc.
- TERROIR: The fruit comes from 90-year-old vines rooted in the tuffeau limestone soils of Saumur, a porous chalk that imparts striking minerality and freshness. This vineyard sits on cool, well-draining slopes that help preserve the grape’s natural acidity, giving the wine both precision and aging potential.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, then fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in large wooden foudres. The wine rests on its fine lees for several months to develop textural complexity and aromatic nuance.
- AGING: Aged in large foudres on fine lees to achieve both silkiness and depth, while maintaining freshness and tension. Bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur.
- TASTING NOTES: The 2023 ‘L’Insolite’ shows layered aromas of lemon zest, quince, and white peach, interwoven with hints of chamomile, wet stone, and subtle honey. The palate is taut and elegant, offering vibrant acidity, a saline mineral core, and a long, chalky finish. This is a deeply expressive and precise Chenin Blanc with both immediate charm and impressive aging potential.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Perfect alongside pan-seared scallops, lobster with beurre blanc, roasted chicken with herbs, or creamy vegetable dishes. It also pairs beautifully with aged goat cheese or bloomy-rind cheeses.
- SCORES: 90 points, Wine-Searcher (2022 vintage).
Regular price
$46.00
Thierry Germain of Domaine des Roches Neuves is one of the Loire Valley’s most acclaimed biodynamic producers, known for crafting wines that capture both the purity and texture of Saumur’s limestone terroir. ‘L’Insolite’—meaning “the unusual”—is his flagship Chenin Blanc, made from 90-year-old vines that deliver remarkable depth and minerality.
- WINEMAKER: Thierry Germain farms all his vineyards biodynamically, following a philosophy of minimal intervention and deep respect for the living ecosystem of his vines.
- FARMING: Certified Biodynamic (Ecovin & Biodyvin).
- VARIETY: 100% Chenin Blanc.
- TERROIR: The fruit comes from 90-year-old vines rooted in the tuffeau limestone soils of Saumur, a porous chalk that imparts striking minerality and freshness. This vineyard sits on cool, well-draining slopes that help preserve the grape’s natural acidity, giving the wine both precision and aging potential.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, then fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in large wooden foudres. The wine rests on its fine lees for several months to develop textural complexity and aromatic nuance.
- AGING: Aged in large foudres on fine lees to achieve both silkiness and depth, while maintaining freshness and tension. Bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur.
- TASTING NOTES: The 2023 ‘L’Insolite’ shows layered aromas of lemon zest, quince, and white peach, interwoven with hints of chamomile, wet stone, and subtle honey. The palate is taut and elegant, offering vibrant acidity, a saline mineral core, and a long, chalky finish. This is a deeply expressive and precise Chenin Blanc with both immediate charm and impressive aging potential.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Perfect alongside pan-seared scallops, lobster with beurre blanc, roasted chicken with herbs, or creamy vegetable dishes. It also pairs beautifully with aged goat cheese or bloomy-rind cheeses.
- SCORES: 90 points, Wine-Searcher (2022 vintage).