The 50-hectare Domaine des Roches Neuves is run by Bordelais Thierry Germain and is situated in the appellation of Saumur-Champigny in the Loire Valley. The winery has existed since 1850, and since purchasing the estate in 1991, Thierry has turned it into one of the finest in France. The estate is run strictly along biodynamic lines, harvesting is manual and yields are low. Vinification is carried out only in small batches and the wines are neither filtered not fined. 'La Marginale' is 100% Cabernet Franc from eye-wateringly low yields (15hl/ha) and spends 18 months in new French oak barrels before release. This is one of the great Cabernet Francs of the Loire and availability is accordingly limited.
A concentrated garnet-red in the glass. Notes of raspberry, mint and anise on the nose. On the palate, powerful and intense with superbly balanced acidity and well-structured tannins. Full-bodied, complex yet elegant. The finish is lingering suggesting further red fruit notes. Great with roasted duckling with honey, herb crusted lamb or quail with spices.