AOC Menetou Salon Morogues wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Appellation d'origine contrôlée

this appellation is set in the upper reaches of the Loire, south of Pouilly-sur-Loire and west of Sancerre, in Cher. It extends over 350 hectares divided between 10 villages – Aubinges, Humbligny, Menetou-Salon, Morogues, Parassy, Pigny, Quantilly, Saint Céols, Soulangis and Vignoux sous les Aix. The soils are extremely consistent covering a single geological formation of the Secondary era (Upper Cretaceous): light Saint-Doulchard marl (Kimmeridgian), highly conducive to growing Sauvignon blanc.

The wines of this appellation

65% of the wines are fresh, vigorous, lively whites which are light, full and aromatic with great length on the palate. They boast a yellow hue with greenish tints and exude floral and balsamic aromas, citrus (lemon, grapefruit), white peach, gunflint, pepper and mint. They are the perfect match for shellfish, fish served on its own or in puff pastry, goats cheese or snails. The Pinot noir-based reds and rosés are delicate, supple, pleasant, round, light and fruity. They are intended to be drunk soon after release. Their relatively pale hue exhibits ruby-red tints. On the nose, they reveal fragrances of cherry, raspberry and red currant. Recommended food pairings include grilled meat, cheeses (Beaufort) or rabbit terrine.