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Val de Loire · Centre-Loire · White, red and rosé

Menetou-Salon — terroir, soils & grape varieties

A neighbour of Sancerre, built on the same Kimmeridgian marls, Menetou-Salon offers sauvignon blancs of comparable finesse and generous pinot noir reds — often at a gentler price than its illustrious neighbour.

Sancerre's discreet neighbour

North-east of Bourges, in the Cher, Menetou-Salon shares the geology of the Sancerre area while remaining more low-key. Recognised as an appellation d'origine contrôlée in 1959, it produces all three colours: white, from sauvignon, and both red and rosé, from pinot noir.

Terroir and style

The vineyard rests on Kimmeridgian marls — the famous 'terres blanches' of Sancerre and Chablis — weathered into brown limestone soils and rendzinas. This base gives sauvignon fine, lively, mineral whites, with citrus and fine salinity, and pinot noir supple, fruity reds. Excellent value for money, following in Sancerre's footsteps.

The grape varieties of Menetou-Salon

Sauvignon blanc →white — vivacity, citrus and minerality
Pinot noir →reds and rosés — fruit and finesse
Buy a Menetou-Salon →
Sources: Wikipédia — Menetou-Salon (AOC)