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Biodynamic. The fruit for this delicious sparkling comes from a range of biodynamic parcels in Saumur alongside a vineyard in Le Puy-Notre-Dame (an appellation only for red wines). It's a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc, with the remainder split between Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Germain picks quite late for sparkling—when ripe and full of character—then presses as whole bunches and ferments in a mix of stainless steel and barrels formerly used for the Insolite cuvée. The wine then ages in bottle on lees for around 18 months before disgorgement with no additions. It’s a Saumur méthode traditionnelle à la Germain. '
Sparkling Saumur is the original sparkling of the Loire Valley―dating back to the 1830s―and Germain’s wine has the character, deliciousness and class to leave a great many Champagnes in the shade. Expect a layered, super-mineral, chalky white with a salty, bone-dry finish. A joy to drink, with texture and length to back it up.