Thierry Germain (Roches Neuves)
Summary
Thierry Germain operates the 28-hectare Domaine des Roches Neuves in Saumur-Champigny, producing 120,000 bottles annually from Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc grown on the region's distinctive tuffeau limestone soils. His winemaking philosophy embraces biodynamic principles (certified since 2002) with minimal intervention techniques including indigenous yeast fermentations, gentle extractions, and aging in neutral vessels like used barrels, foudres, and amphorae.
Heritage & Leadership
Thierry Germain, originally from Bordeaux, established himself in the Loire Valley in 1991 when he acquired Domaine des Roches Neuves in Varrains, near Saumur. Coming from a winemaking family in Bordeaux, Germain brought his technical knowledge to the Loire but soon adapted his approach to the unique terroir of Saumur-Champigny. The domaine, which dates back to the 19th century, underwent significant transformation under Germain's direction. By the early 2000s, he had fully committed to biodynamic viticulture, receiving official Biodyvin certification in 2002. Germain continues to personally oversee all aspects of production at Roches Neuves, working alongside a small, dedicated team that includes cellar master Michel Chevré, who has been instrumental in implementing the domaine's meticulous winemaking protocols.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine des Roches Neuves encompasses 28 hectares of vineyards spread across the communes of Varrains, Chaintres, and Dampierre in the Saumur-Champigny appellation. The vineyards are planted on the region's distinctive tuffeau limestone soils, with varying proportions of clay, sand, and limestone depending on the specific plot. Approximately 22 hectares are dedicated to Cabernet Franc, with the remaining 6 hectares planted to Chenin Blanc. The vines range in age from 4 to 80 years, with the oldest parcels reserved for the domaine's top cuvées. Vineyard elevations range from 50 to 120 meters above sea level, with most sites featuring gentle slopes with southern or southeastern exposures. Key vineyard sites include Les Mémoires and Clos de l'Échelier for Cabernet Franc, and L'Insolite and Clos Romans for Chenin Blanc. The domaine produces approximately 120,000 bottles annually across 15 different cuvées.
Philosophy & Practice
Thierry Germain's approach centers on expressing terroir through minimal intervention. The domaine has been certified biodynamic by Biodyvin since 2002, implementing the full spectrum of biodynamic preparations and following the lunar calendar for vineyard work and cellar operations. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting in the vineyard. For red wines, Germain has progressively reduced extraction, moving to shorter macerations (typically 8-15 days) and utilizing more whole-cluster fermentation (varying from 30% to 100% depending on the cuvée). Fermentations occur with indigenous yeasts in a combination of concrete tanks, large wooden vats, and amphorae. Aging takes place in a mix of vessels, including used French oak barrels (2-5 years old), foudres, and concrete eggs, with aging periods ranging from 6 to 18 months depending on the wine. Sulfur additions are minimal, typically applied only at bottling in quantities of 10-30 mg/L total. The whites undergo direct pressing followed by fermentation and aging on fine lees, often in neutral oak or acacia barrels. All wines are bottled without fining and with only light filtration when necessary.