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In north-western France, the Loire vineyards stretch from the Massif Central to Nantes, covering some 70,000 hectares of vines. It is famous for its Chinon, Bourgueil and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, among others. There is also the AOC Menetou-Salon. The appellation area for this AOC covers some 500 hectares of soil in the Centre-Loire region, mainly composed of limestone, clay and gravel. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc vines are planted in this appellation, which enjoys the temperate climate and oceanic influences of this geographical area. They are used to produce white, rosé and red wines. The latter are supple, with aromas of cherry and violet, as befits pinot noir (the only grape variety used to produce these wines). The rosés are fresh and light, with notes of peach. Finally, the whites are highly aromatic (citrus fruit, blackcurrant, quince, apple, spices, honey).

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AOC Menetou-Salon: everything you need to know about the wines of this appellation

History of the AOC Menetou-Salon Appellation

The AOC Menetou-Salon, located in the Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, has a strong wine-growing reputation thanks to its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Officially recognized in 1959, it is sometimes seen as the quiet cousin of AOC Sancerre, although it has carved out its own identity with expressive and refined wines.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Menetou-Salon Appellation

  • Climate: The region enjoys a temperate continental climate with oceanic influences. This combination ensures optimal ripening of the grape varieties while preserving their natural freshness and acidity.
  • Soils: The vineyards of Menetou-Salon grow on Kimmeridgian terroir, rich in limestone and small oyster fossils, which gives the wines their distinctive mineral character. **Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir:** the emblematic grape varieties of AOC Menetou-Salon. Typical of the Centre-Loire vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc is dominant for white wines, bringing freshness and its characteristic varietal aromas. For red and rosé wines, Pinot Noir is the flagship grape, producing wines of remarkable finesse and elegance.

Style of AOC Menetou-Salon Wines

Red Wine: AOC Menetou-Salon red wine presents a color ranging from ruby red to garnet. The nose offers a generous bouquet of red and black fruits (cherry, blackcurrant), accompanied by floral touches (violet) and sometimes spicy notes after a few years of aging. The palate is structured yet maintains a pleasant roundness, with fine tannins and good length.

Rosé Wine: Delicate pink hue, often pale with peach or orange nuances. It expresses aromas of strawberry, redcurrant, and spring flowers, supported by a fresh and lively palate.

White wine: Light yellow color with green highlights. The nose reveals scents of boxwood, citrus fruits and white flowers, typical of Sauvignon Blanc, with assertive mineral notes. The attack is lively, reflecting the minerality of the terroir, and evolves towards a beautiful length in the mouth.

The best food and wine pairings with an AOC Menetou-Salon wine

Here are the best pairings to accompany a bottle of Loire wine from an estate or château in AOC Menetou-Salon white, red or rosé:

  • White wine: Venetian calf's liver, asparagus risotto, goat's cheese (crottins de Chavignol)
  • Rosé wine: chicken skewers marinated in lemon, tapas
  • Red wine: bouillabaisse, pork carbonade, rabbit with hunter sauce