About this wine
La Marginale is a flagship cuvée from Thierry Germain, a pioneering biodynamic producer at Domaine des Roches Neuves in the Saumur-Champigny appellation, Loire Valley. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc grown on deep clay soils (up to 3 meters) over Middle Turonian tuffeau chalk, with vines averaging 45 years old. Produced only in the finest vintages when grapes reach a minimum of 13% alcohol, this wine showcases an intense ruby color with complex aromas of red berry liqueur, mint, and star anise, complemented by spicy notes of Sichuan pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon. The palate is powerful yet elegant, featuring well-integrated tannins, jammy red fruits, and a long, mineral-driven finish with cool-climate Cabernet Franc character.
If you think red wine is heavy or tannic, La Marginale will change your mind. It is a powerful yet silky wine that showcases the elegant, refreshing side of Cabernet Franc — a grape variety from the Loire Valley that is lighter and more aromatic than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sommelier's Note
"La Marginale is one of the purest expressions of terroir-driven Cabernet Franc anywhere in the world. The deep Turonian clay soils give it a roundness and mineral depth that sets it apart from any other Saumur-Champigny. Thierry Germain's biodynamic commitment ensures that each bottle is alive with energy. This is not just a great Loire wine — it is a benchmark for the entire appellation. Drink it with confidence alongside a roast lamb, or cellar it for 5–10 years to experience its full complexity."
Food Pairings
La Marginale excels alongside rich meat dishes. Classic pairings include blood sausage with caramelized apples, thick-cut pork chops, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and slow-braised oxtail. The wine's depth and structure also complement spiced confit lamb shank with thyme-scented sweet potato and roasted root vegetables. Excellent with beef and venison as well.
When to drink it
A wine for milestone moments: special anniversary dinners, important celebrations, or as the centerpiece of a serious wine tasting dedicated to Loire Valley Cabernet Franc.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Franc
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- Approximately ¥8,000–12,000 per bottle (varies by vintage and retailer)
Terroir & Winemaking
Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted twice — once in the vineyard and once on the sorting table in the cellar — then fully destemmed without crushing. Fermentation takes place in large wooden vats using indigenous yeasts, with temperature controlled at 20–25°C. Extraction is by infusion with only gentle, periodic cap wetting. Total skin contact runs approximately 18–20 days. The free-run wine is then aged in 25hl Stoeckinger oak foudres for approximately 12 months, with the goal of preserving fruit purity and the roundness imparted by the deep clay soils. Only produced in the finest vintages when grapes reach a minimum of 13% alcohol. Biodynamically farmed, certified under the Biodyvin label since 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does La Marginale taste like?
- La Marginale has an intense ruby color with a complex nose of red berry liqueur, mint, and star anise, layered with spicy notes of Sichuan pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon. On the palate, it is powerful yet elegant, with well-integrated tannins, jammy red fruits, a smoky mineral quality typical of cool-climate Cabernet Franc, and a long, refreshing finish.
- What food pairs well with La Marginale?
- It excels with rich meat dishes such as herb-crusted rack of lamb, blood sausage with caramelized apples, thick-cut pork chops, slow-braised oxtail, and venison. It also pairs beautifully with duck roast and soy-glazed grilled meats from Japanese cuisine.
- When is the best time to drink La Marginale?
- La Marginale can be enjoyed young with decanting to open up its complexity, but it truly shines after 5–10 years of cellaring, when the tannins soften and the wine's full aromatic complexity emerges.
- Is La Marginale made every year?
- No — it is only produced in the finest vintages when the Cabernet Franc grapes reach a minimum of 13% potential alcohol. In lesser years, the grapes are blended into the estate's other cuvées.
- What makes this wine biodynamic?
- Domaine des Roches Neuves has been certified biodynamic under the Biodyvin label since 2003. This means farming is guided by lunar and cosmic rhythms, without synthetic chemicals, with attention to soil health, biodiversity, and natural vitality of the vineyard ecosystem.
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