A neighbor to the west of Sancerre, Menetou-Salon is a wine appellation in the eastern Loire Valley whose whites are made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Just like Sancerre its landscape is gentle slopes and chalky soils, but unlike Sancerre, most of its wines are consumed in France. It’s what the locals drink, as an apéritif or alongside a green salad, baked goat cheese, grilled fish and lemon.  

With a a few years under the cork, this expression from J. de Villebois shows how well Sauvignon can age with notes of gun smoke and salty peach, lime blossom and honey. Also, aged for six months on the lees (in tank), the wine is soft, over austere, with decadent acidity. So, next time you’re craving a glass of bone-dry, minerally chilly Sauvignon, drink like the French, and try a glass of Menetou-Salon. ~Allegra A