Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves - Outre Terre 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Thierry Germain has made his estate a benchmark for biodynamic viticulture and great wines. He has passed on his passion to his daughter Jeanne Germain and son Louis, who have joined him on the estate. The wines are dense, with a stimulating energy that highlights the magnificent limestone terroirs of both Clos Romans and Clos de L'Echelier. Low yields give good concentration to the long, silky reds. The difficult 2021 vintage has been perfectly mastered here.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Outre Terre 2022 presents a sunny, ripe bouquet of dark berries, spices, earth and licorice. Medium-bodied, concentrated and rich with an austere character, this iteration is dark and solemn, underpinned by structured tannins, making it a robust interpretation of the cuvée, crafted in the tradition of Georgian viticulture.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Macerated for four months with its skin in amphora, then matured for twelve months in foudres, Outre Terre stands apart in the range: at once earthy and floral (peony and wilted rose), endowed with an extremely flavorful fatness, with plenty of relief.

About the domain :

The charismatic Thierry Germain has defined a contemporary stylistic approach to Saumur-Champigny, which articulates the right ripeness of the Cabernets and their ageing in wood through different containers; while ensuring the longevity of a wine that is at once fruity, infused, floral and crisp. The extensive work undertaken in the vineyards (biodynamic, some ploughed with horse power) is illustrated by the estate's simple cuvée. The latest white vintages reveal a remarkable saline brilliance, getting to the heart of the chalky expression of chenin on tuffeau. They thrill the taste buds and the body! The reds' quest for a unique, chiselled, crisp balance is undeniable. Their florality can be ravishing. But we're convinced they could reveal a more velvety, graceful balance of Loire Cabernet Franc. Thierry Germain is gradually preparing the estate's future, passing on his knowledge and sensibility to his son Louis, who supports him solidly. The vertical tasting carried out in April 2024 of La Marginale, since 1989, and Clos Romans, since 2012, confirms the undeniable ageing potential of the reds and whites. Remarkable!