france: loire_valley
Domaine Henry Pellé, Menetou Salon
Menetou-Salon's finest village, Morogues, is where the Domaine Henry Pellé is located, less than ten miles west of
the western limit of Sancerre. Its soils and climate are similar to that of Sancerre, and its finest wines, like the
Pellés’ single vineyard Menetou, easily rival a Sancerre. For lovers of great Loire Sauvignon, the best
Menetous are wonderful bargains.
The Pellés’ cellars are ultra-modern: Anne Pellé and oenologist Julien Zernott use a pneumatic press—an advantage for their reds because
it gives them very fine tannins- and they vinify and age their wines at low temperatures in huge stainless tanks. They do not,
however, consider themselves "new world": for their vinifications they use only the indigenous yeasts that are
found on the grapes, and they do not inoculate with a yeast culture. They use no chemicals.
The Wines
Menetou-Salon white, les Bornés: This is a blend of many sites in the vicinity of Morogues. The vines are both
young and old, with many over 35 years. Les Bornés is the local term for the clay soil.
Menetou-Salon Morogues, blanc: The grapes for this wine are entirely from the estate. The limestone soil and the
different exposures of the vines make for a wine that blends the elegance of the grape variety with the quality terroir.
Clos des Blanchais: : Old vines—almost 50 years old—of sauvignon blanc on a single, small isolated
slope, quite steep, sheltered from the wind by a line of trees to the north and west, it faces southeast- an ideal exposition
for optimal ripening. Fifteen percent of the wine is aged in wood for roundness and elegance. This is a long and expressive
sauvignon blanc.
Clos de Ratier: The Ratier slope is quite steep and southwest-facing. The finesse and brightness of the Ratier
reflects its site and makes for a splendid contrast to the Clos des Blanchais.
Les Cris: A single-site vineyard of 45-year old Pinot Noir planted by sélection massale. This
lieu-dit, a very well-aired gentle slope facing east-southeast directly across the valley from the Clos Ratier,
produces one of the most memorable Pinot Noirs in the Loire. Sixty percent of the wine is vinified in wood. The wine is a
classic, rich Pinot of great finesse and length.
Sancerre rouge La Croix au Garde: The grapes come from estate vineyards in Montigny and from a grower in
Verdigny with whom the Pellés have partnered since 1995. The vines are as old as 40 years and are vinified 60%
in wood.
www.henry-pelle.com
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