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Menetou-Salon is an appellation of the Centre and Loire Valley. Located in 10 communes in the north-east of the Centre Val de Loire region, 70 winemakers share the production of these wines. The Loire wine that is Menetou-Salon received AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) recognition in 1959 for its single-varietal red wine (Pinot Noir), its single-varietal white wine (Sauvignon) and its rosé wine.
Menetou-Salon is a noble wine
Menetou-Salon’s vineyards go back a long way. In the 11th century, the Lord of Menetou donated the Clos de Davet vines to the religious orders of the seigneury, and in particular to the Abbey of Saint-Sulpice-lès-Bourges. Over the centuries, Menetou Salon has graced the region’s prestigious tables, and is the perfect reflection of what the Cher terroir has to offer in terms of wine.
Since the AOC was awarded in 1959, the production charter has specified specific conditions for the production of this appellation, namely: a maximum yield of 59 hectoliters per hectare for red wine and 65 for white, a minimum density of 6200 vines per hectare and an alcoholic strength of between 10% and 13%.
Menetou-Salon enjoys soils and a climate conducive to the development of a well-balanced wine.
The vineyard is ideally located. Adjacent to Sancerre on its western side, to the north of the Châteaumeillant and Saint Pourçain appellations and to the east of the Reuilly and Quincy appellations, the vineyard covers some 500 hectares. The soils are mainly composed of limestone and clay. Gravel, locally known as “hen’s ears”, and siliceous pebble soils enable the vines to develop harmoniously.
The chalky, clayey and sandy soils on which the vines take root give the cuvées a very balanced development. The semi-continental climate, typical of the Central regions, provides an ideal environment for healthy vine growth. Microclimates characterized by cool summers and average rainfall shape the winegrowing landscape and give Menetou Salon its identity. Annual rainfall averages between 800 and 850 millimeters, and the temperature in July, the hottest month of the year, is around 19°C. The prevailing winds in the region are from the west and southwest.
Menetou-Salon is a wine of character
White wines are made from Sauvignon grapes, and red wines from Pinot Noir. The white wine has a crystalline pale yellow color with green highlights, the red stands out for its pronounced ruby hue and the rosé for its pale pink color tending towards gray.
On the nose, the white reveals a very delicate, fruity wine with surprising notes of citrus fruit and white flowers. On aeration, mentholated tones and honey mixed with spices emerge. The red wine, made from Pinot Noir grapes, is dominated by notes of venison that take precedence over red fruit. The rosé, a soft, fine wine, asserts itself with notes of white-fleshed fruit and dried fruit.
On the palate, this white wine offers roundness and remarkably long-lasting aromas. The red is characterized by its structure, dense body, fine, well blended tannins and a final note that will leave you with aromas of candied fruit. Rosé is light, delicate, round and invigorating.
White wines can be kept for up to 3 years, while red wines aged in barrels can be kept for up to 5 years. Rosé is best drunk young.
Menetou-Salon goes well with many dishes
White goes perfectly with fish in sauce and certain vegetables such as asparagus. It can also be paired with goat’s cheese. Red is a perfect match for tender meats such as partridge and poultry. Rosé is ideal with starters or grilled meats. Red wines from the Menetou Salon appellation should be drunk at a temperature of 16°C, while white and rosé wines should be drunk at a cooler temperature (10°C).
Menetou-Salon vintages to remember
The white wine was crowned vintage of the millennium in 1959, vintage of the century in 1989 and 2005, and excellent vintage in 1961, 1976, 1978 and 2001. The red has twice been awarded the millennium vintage in 1959 and 1989, once the exceptional vintage in 2005, and three times the excellent vintage, in 1961, 1985 and 1995. 1959 and 1989 are recognized as the vintages of the century for Menetou Salon rosé. Also in rosé wine, 1976 marks the year of the exceptional vintage, and 1961, 1978, 1990 and 1995 the years of excellent vintages.
Two Menetou-Salon estates reflecting the expertise of Loire Valley winemakers
Domaine Eric-Louis, Les Celliers de la Pauline
Respect for winegrowing tradition, family, nature and passion are the core values that motivate the Menetou Salon winemakers. The estate’s 25 hectares of vineyards produce wines that are highly representative of the Centre region. The estate was awarded the Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 2015. The estate’s wines have also won international recognition, with both red and white wines winning Gold Medals at the Vinalies Internationales.
Domaine Pellé
In 1985, the family-run Domaine de Chantenoy became fully dedicated to wine production, and more specifically to the production of Menetou-Salon appellation wines. Situated on 60 hectares at the eastern end of the Loire Valley, the Chantenoy vineyards showcase the Loire Valley terroir.
