100% Cabernet Franc. Previously a blend of two terroirs, Terres Chaudes now hails exclusively from the Poyeux terroir in Chaintres, near the heart of the appellation (an area made famous by the Clos Rougeard bottling). The vines for this cuvée average about 40 years of age, and come from the côteau, or slope, where there is very shallow topsoil before the vine roots hit the limestone bedrock.
All the fruit was de-stemmed and fermented in cement (with some foot stomping), followed by maturation in 60-hectolitre, neutral, tronconique wooden vats.
This vintage is one of the most impressive, stylish, supple and nuanced Terres Chaudes Germain has crafted. You can’t miss the imprint of Poyeux’s sweet, wild blackberry and dark cherry, ginger spice and deeply mineral fruit. Ripe but pure, bright and long, and a fascinating contrast to the Clos Rougeard.