Winemaker Notes
Meaning “out of the ordinary,” insolite refers primarily to the rare band of flint from which this classy blanc originates. But out of the ordinary is just as fitting a way to describe Thierry Germain. One of the most pensive and ambitious growers in the entire Loire Valley, Thierry is also one of the rare vignerons equally deft with Cabernet Franc and Chenin. Showing just as much savory stoniness as it does notes of fruit, L’Insolite would pair as beautifully with roast chicken as it would with baked white fish or meaty mushrooms.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.
Marked by great châteaux built with the same tuffeau limestone that is also responsible for the excavation of so many of the famed Loire caves, Saumur is famous for its Chenin blanc based sparkling wines. Inside the Saumur region, Saumur-Champigny creates some of the Loire’s greatest Cabernet Francs.