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. The 'Terres Chaudes' is a complex and seductive Cabernet Franc from very low yields. Half the wine is aged in used oak barrels; the other half is kept in stainless steel tanks and the wine is bottled after 12 months.

Dark ruby with purple highlights. On the nose aromas of cassis and blackberries. The palate is dense with full, ripe fruit and a beautiful structure with elegant tannins. The finish is balanced and lingering. Drink with crown roast of lamb with tarragon, charcoal grilled veal cutlets with Dijon mustard or rib of beef with a shallot and red wine sauce.