From: Menetou-Salon, Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Critical Acclaim: DC 91 Rated 91 by Decanter
Bertrand Minchin created his domaine in Menetou-Salon in 1988 in the village of Morogues. He now has 17 hectares here – 10ha of Sauvignon Blanc and 7ha of Pinot Noir. The domaine is certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) but is currently in conversion to organic viticulture. The rich, ripe 2020 Morogues Menetou-Salon has pineapple, grapefruit and gooseberry notes with a rich mouthfilling texture along with enough freshness on the finish to carry off the power of this wine.
Taste: Aromas of zesty grapefruit and tangy gooseberry intermingle with delicate hints of white flowers, freshly cut grass, pineapple, and a flinty minerality. On the palate, this Sauvignon Blanc demonstrates a harmonious balance between its rich, mouthfilling texture and lively acidity. The fruit flavors echo the nose, complemented by a touch of green apple and a hint of passion fruit. As the wine progresses, a pleasant minerality emerges, leading to a refreshingly crisp and persistent finish that leaves you eager for another sip.
Pairing: The vibrant acidity and fruity profile of the 2020 Domaines Minchin, La Tour Saint-Martin Menetou-Salon Morogues make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with light seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, seared scallops (check out the recipe below), or a classic white fish like halibut or cod. The wine's acidity also lends itself well to pairing with goat cheese, making it an ideal choice for a cheese plate or a mixed green salad with crumbled goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette.
For a taste of the Loire Valley, pair the Menetou-Salon Morogues with local specialties like Crottin de Chavignol (goat cheese), Orléans mustard-marinated pork, or freshwater fish dishes such as pike or perch in beurre blanc sauce. The wine's bright acidity and fruitiness enhance the flavors of these regional dishes, creating a harmonious culinary experience.
Vegetarian dishes that pair well with the 2020 Domaines Minchin, La Tour Saint-Martin Menetou-Salon Morogues include grilled vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini), vegetable quiches, or a citrusy avocado and quinoa salad. The wine's vibrant acidity and fruit flavors also complement dishes with goat cheese, such as a warm goat cheese salad or a goat cheese and caramelized onion tart.
Grilled Sea Scallops With Yellow Beets, Cucumbers and Lime
By David Tanis
About. Nestled in the central Loire region, Menetou-Salon is often overlooked in favor of its prestigious neighbors, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. However, in the hands of a skilled winemaker like Bertrand Minchin, Menetou-Salon proves that it can produce wines just as exceptional as those from its celebrated counterparts. The 2020 Domaines Minchin, La Tour Saint-Martin Menetou-Salon Morogues is a prime example of the outstanding quality and character that can be found in this lesser-known appellation.
Bertrand Minchin: A True Ambassador for Menetou-Salon
A passionate and gregarious leader, Bertrand Minchin has dedicated his life to elevating Menetou-Salon's reputation. After restoring his grandfather's vineyards, he established La Tour Saint Martin in 1994, which now spans 17 hectares with 10 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and 7 of Pinot Noir. Committed to sustainable practices, Bertrand has adopted organic composting, green harvesting, and minimal intervention in the winemaking process to highlight the unique terroir of Menetou-Salon.
The 2020 Domaines Minchin La Tour Saint Martin Menetou Salon Morogues
With a strong focus on the terres blanches soils of Morogues, Bertrand's Sauvignon Blanc showcases the crystalline, precise, and ripe fruit character that distinguishes Menetou-Salon from its neighbors. The 2020 vintage received a 91 rating from Decanter, highlighting its rich, ripe pineapple, grapefruit, and gooseberry notes, and a mouthfilling texture with enough freshness to balance the wine's power.
Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, this cuvée is grown on 30-year-old vines at 240 meters high. Hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, the wine is then fermented on the lees and aged for 10 months in foudres and French oak barrels, similar to top Sancerre wines.
Conclusion
Menetou-Salon may not yet share the same fame as Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, but with winemakers like Bertrand Minchin showcasing the appellation's potential, it is only a matter of time before it gains the recognition it deserves. The 2020 Domaines Minchin, La Tour Saint-Martin Menetou-Salon Morogues is a testament to the incredible quality and character that can be found in this hidden gem of the central Loire. For those seeking an excellent alternative to Sancerre, look no further than the delightful wines of Menetou-Salon.
