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Cep By Cep

Great Value Anjou from Château de la Roulerie

Our first shipment of Philippe Germain’s Cep by Cep wines dates to the 2014 vintage and the wines became an instant hit with our restaurant clients, which they remain to this day. Since then, the project has gone from strength to strength. With Phillipe Germain’s la Roulerie vineyards now contributing the lion’s share of the fruit, each vintage sees a further layer of quality added to wines that showcase the vibrant and racy Germain style. In the vineyards, Germain’s ethics and work are a chip off the old block and managed only according to organic principles, with hand-harvesting, minimal intervention, etc., being the norm.

For those new to this producer, the wines come from the Anjou-based, micro-négoce started by Philippe Germain with his brother, Thierry Germain (of Roches Neuves fame) acting as a consultant. Thierry is no longer involved with the project, though the wines have not missed a beat.

There are three wines in the range. The Chenin Blanc comes from 100% hand-harvested fruit which was organically grown in Rochefort-sur-Loire, just south of the river and opposite Savennières. Unlike the Germain vineyards in Saumur where limestone dominates, the vineyards of western Anjou are influenced by the schist-rich, volcanic soils of the Massif Armoricain. It’s this type of rock that imparts a pungent, stony bite to the dry Chenin of the area. The corresponding red is 100% Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested from vines rooted in gravelly, shale soils in western Anjou. The idea here is for a fun, lively, no-nonsense 'vin de soif', made to be enjoyed young while vibrant and fresh.

Finally, there is a wonderful ‘sticky’, a Coteaux du Layon cropped from Philippe Germain’s estate vineyards in the heart of the Layon Valley, at Rochefort-sur-Loire. Unusually for the Loire, the clay and schist-rich soils here are cut into an amphitheatre of terraces. Compared to much of the appellation (and especially the wines of the Layon Crus of Bonnezeaux, Chaume and Quarts de Chaume) this wine showcases the more delicate, almost Germanic style of Layon.

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Cep by Cep Anjou Blanc 2023

Cep by Cep Anjou Blanc 2023

This Chenin value comes from 100% hand-harvested fruit organically grown in the schist-rich, volcanic soils of Rochefort-sur-Loire, just south of the river and opposite Savennières. The wine was vinified in a mixture of tank and two- to four-year-old, 400-litre casks. It is a cooler, leaner, more mineral release than last year, with chalk, stones and smoky reduction leading the charge and ripe citrus and honeysuckle in powerful support. It’s invigoratingly dry, stony and refreshing, with plenty of flesh, crunch and zip on the lengthy close. This is on the money.   

Cep by Cep Anjou Blanc 2023
Cep by Cep Anjou Rouge 2023

Cep by Cep Anjou Rouge 2023

This 100% Cabernet Franc is hand-harvested from organically tended vines on gravelly shale soils in western Anjou, just across the river from Savennières. The fruit is fully destemmed before spontaneous fermentation. It is raised in stainless steel for just six months, with no sulphur added until bottling.This is bright and aromatic, bursting with pretty floral notes, summer berries and complexing notes of woodsy herbs and earth. It zips through the palate with vibrancy, crunch and gently rasping tannic grip. If vibrant, balanced, well-priced, medium-weight reds are your thing, look no further. 

Cep by Cep Anjou Rouge 2023
Cep by Cep Coteaux Du Layon 2023

Cep by Cep Coteaux Du Layon 2023

The Coteaux du Layon is drawn from Philippe Germain’s estate vineyards in the heart of the Layon Valley at Rochefort-sur-Loire. Unusually for the Loire, the clay- and schist-rich soils are cut into an amphitheatre of terraces. The grapes are harvested passerillé (shrivelled with little or no botrytis) and naturally ferment and age in neutral demi-muid. The fermentation is stopped, leaving around 80g/L residual sugar balanced by the wine’s perky acidity and moderate alcohol.As usual, this offers incredible bang for your buck. It is made for the dining table and would work well with various foods, from soft cheese to fruit-based desserts. It’s scented with honey, cinnamon, ripe citrus and blossoms with a slight spicy/savoury twist lending complexity. The palate is gentle and silky, with a nice balance between weight and acid cut. Fans of this wine will not be disappointed.

Cep by Cep Coteaux Du Layon 2023
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Country

France

Primary Region

Anjou Saumur, Loire Valley

People

Winemaker: Philippe Germain

Availability

National

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