Red wines from Menetou-Salon

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Burgundy Pinot Noir in new tropics

Pinot Noir, undisputed master of the great red wines of Burgundy, has found another playground in the Centre Val de Loire. This is a far cry from the Côte d’Or grands crus that are the talk of the town. But we’re still very close to another part of Burgundy that we tend to forget: the Yonne. Best known for the Chablis vineyard, the wines of this region, north of Burgundy, are full of treasures, both whites and reds.

In the end, Pinot Noir only traveled a hundred kilometers or so before settling on the banks of the Loire. It has to be said that Menetou-Salon has everything it takes to be at ease here, since its terroirs are very similar to those of the Yonne. In fact, we’re on the same geological section – the soils date from the Kimmeridgian period, i.e. 150 million years ago. Menetou-Salon, as well as the famous neighboring appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, benefit from the clay-limestone marls for which Chablis wines are famous.

Versatile red wines

Any wine lover will tell you that great wine rhymes with great terroir. So it’s hard to imagine anything better than sharing the famous Chablis terroirs which, when respected by the winemakers, bring an incredible mineral dimension and depth to the grapes and wines. Here, Pinot Noir finds a very different playground from what it’s used to, while retaining all its delicacy and refinement.

In fact, it’s quite common for Menetou-Salon winemakers to choose different interpretations of their terroir, producing several different cuvées. And that’s just one of the advantages of this appellation: it’s possible to produce both easy-drinking red wines that can be enjoyed on the fruit, and long-keeping bottles that develop their full potential after a decade or so in the cellar. Selection begins in the vineyard: grapes from the best vines and plots are vinified separately to produce parcel-based cuvées, in the spirit of Burgundian climates. Among the terroirs best suited to producing great red wines are Carroir and Les Cris, notably magnified by Henry Pellé, and Clos des Treilles, which is reaching its peak under the masterful hands of Philippe Gilbert.

Menetou-Salon red at the table

The beauty of Menetou-Salon lies in its ability to produce a wide variety of red wines – as well as white wines. To accompany an aperitif or starter, you can enjoy the simpler cuvées, which turn out to be incredibly delicious as soon as they are bottled. They’re an opportunity to revisit the repertoire of French bistro cuisine: terrines, “oeufs mayo” or leek vinaigrette will delight your guests, all the more so when accompanied by a glass of lively Menetou-Salon. As for the “greatest” Menetou-Salon wines, let yourself be tempted by a braised red meat in the spirit of beef and carrots.

Photo : Château et Domaine de Menetou-Salon