Coteaux du Giennois and Menetou-
Salon may not as well known as the neighbouring appellations; Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume however they punch above their weight.
Centre Loire vineyards feature similar climate, elevation, and similar winemaking technique. The main variable here is the soils that the Sauvignon Blanc is grown. The main soils types are silex or limestone.
Another feature of wines from this area is that they are usually made as single vineyard wines to reflect the specific soil types.
Clement et Florian Berthier
2018 Coteaux du Giennois Terre de Silex Les Genets Gris AOP
Winery based in Sancerre; Sainte Gemme en Sancerrois. Established in the 1980’s in Sancerre. Expanded into Coteaux du Giennois in 1998. Florian manages the viticulture whilst Clement manages the winemaking. Grown on silex soil, harvested and quickly pressed. Cold settling for 3 days before wild ferment at 15-18 degrees. Matured on fine lees for 12 months.
A refreshing style; floral, melon, vanilla, apple, flint, crisp with good acidity and viscosity.
Domaine La Clef du Recit
2016 Menetou-Salon
Winery based in the Sancerre appellation.
Winemaker Anthony Girard
La Clef du Recit means “key of the story” referring to the moment when Anthony received an oversized key from the local media at an opening ceremony for the grand opening of his venture. Established in 2012, starting with 8.5ha in Sancerre
Vineyards are farmed using organic principles.
Basic winemaking technique and usually vinified with out the use of oak. Richer, fuller bodied, 2 years older with more bottle age complexity. The acidity is more rounded with melon, orange peel, with some honeyed character.