Domaine des Roches Neuves Terre Chaude Saumur-Champigny

Saumur-Champigny, France

The benchmark for modern Saumur-Champigny — 100% Cabernet Franc from ancient tuffeau limestone and volcanic basalt, biodynamically farmed. Wild strawberry, raspberry, violet, pencil shavings, crushed chalk mineral, and a luminous freshness that makes this one of the Loire's most compelling reds. Approachable young but develops magnificently over 10+ years. The definitive entry into serious Saumur-Champigny.

Pairing intelligence

• starter: The Touraine's most traditional charcuterie and its Cabernet Franc — the wine's bright acidity cuts through the rillettes' fat; cornichons' acidity bridges the wine's freshness; pencil shavings mirror the pork's smokiness
• main: The Loire's surprising red-with-fish pairing — Cabernet Franc's light body and high acidity handles monkfish's firm flesh; lardons add a savoury bridge; tapenade's olive bitterness contrasts the violet freshness