Delicious Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley. Silky and juicy.
The appellation of Menetou-Salon in the Loire Valley remains relatively unfamiliar to Irish wine drinkers, despite a long history of producing wonderful expressions of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Perhaps its bigger, more famous neighbours being Sancerre and Pouilly Fume could explain the blind-spot?
Nestled in the village of Verdigny, in the heart of the Sancerre appellation, the Domaine Fournier Père et Fils dates to 1926, exactly ten years before Sancerre became one of the first appellations granted AOC status in 1936. Their vineyards are now spread across the three key appellations of the Upper Loire: Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, and of course Menetou-Salon.
The vineyards for this cuvee (the “Côtes de Morogues” of the name) are south-east facing and set on gentle slopes, qualities that ensure optimal sun exposure and sufficient ripening of the fruit. The region enjoys a temperate continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cool nights, which helps maintain the freshness and acidity in the grapes.
Versatile and food-friendly, Menetou-Salon Rouge works especially well with duck (the bright acidity as a counterpoint to the richness of the meat), robust fish dishes (grilled salmon and tuna in particular) and will elevate roast chicken to the next level. Then again, we promise you could also just drink it on its own and be very content indeed.