domaine roches neuves les memoires 2015

the domaine des roches neuves was founded in 1850 by the duveau family, deeply rooted in the saumur region. the 12-hectare estate has been passed down through generations, but it wasn't until the mid-1980s that domaine des roches neuves truly took off. denis duveau, a graduate in oenology from bordeaux, focused on creating a "high-end" cuvée. this close associate of charlie foucault (clos rougeard) named his creation "la marginale" due to its character, which was more marked by aging, contrary to the usual standards of saumur-champigny, which emphasize fruitiness. this cuvée caught the attention of top parisian restaurateurs, and domaine des roches neuves made a name for itself in the french wine landscape. denis duveau, with an adventurous spirit, decided to continue his winemaking career in chile. in 1991, he sold his land to the union française de gestion, a subsidiary of crédit mutuel. this insurance company was seeking an operator, and thus marie and thierry germain, a "carefree" couple, signed a 20-year contract to operate the 12 hectares of cabernet franc at domaine des roches neuves. they took over a domain whose vines had been entirely frozen the same year. thierry germain, representing the sixth generation of winemakers in his family, grew up in bordeaux. in 1996, the germains expanded their plots with 8 hectares of cabernet franc and 2 hectares of chenin. sensing the importance of nature and "living" aspects, they began converting their vineyard to organic farming. the vines were certified organic by the late 1990s, and they also began biodynamic practices in the 2000s. thierry germain, charismatic and visionary, has defined a contemporary stylistic approach for saumur-champigny wines, emphasizing the perfect ripeness of the cabernets and their aging in various types of wood containers. this approach aims to ensure the longevity of a wine that is both fruity, infused, floral, and crisp. the meticulous work in the vineyards, with a gradual transition to biodynamics and even horse plowing in some plots, is reflected in the estate's base cuvée. recent vintages of whites stand out for their remarkable saline brightness, capturing the very essence of the chalky expression of chenin on tuffeau. they offer an exhilarating tasting experience for the palate and senses! the pursuit of a unique and finely crafted balance in the reds is undeniable. their floral notes can be simply charming. however, we are convinced that they could reveal a more velvety and graceful balance of loire cabernet franc. the loire valley, a unesco world heritage site, is a region rich in castles, vineyards, picturesque villages, and natural landscapes. here are some suggestions for what you can do in the loire valley: • visit the castles: the loire valley is famous for its majestic castles. among the must-sees are château de chambord, château de chenonceau, château de villandry, and château de blois. • cruise on the loire: embark on a relaxing cruise on the loire. it's a peaceful way to enjoy the landscapes and castles along the river. • explore the villages: discover the picturesque villages of the region such as amboise, chinon, and saumur. stroll through the streets, explore the local markets, and soak up the charming atmosphere. • visit nantes: the city of nantes, located at the western end of the loire valley, offers a dynamic urban experience with its street art, museums, and cultural atmosphere.