Jean-Paul Picard Menetou-Salon Blanc 2022

The Picard family has been making wines in the Loire Valley since the 1600's. Today they produce only 8,350 cases between two cuvées of white, two cuvées of red and their rose, choosing to focus on quality over quantity. They produce Sancerre and Menetou-Salon wines and Mickael Picard has been in charge of the domaine since 2004. Just like Sancerre blanc, Menetou-Salon blancs are made of 100% Sauvignon blanc.

This small, 14 hectare domaine proves that not all Sancerres are created equal. As Sancerre is a large appellation, the best villages have developed their own reputation for quality, with Bué considered one of the finest. The vineyard slopes surrounding this hamlet have outstanding clay-limestone soils, sunny southwestern exposures and ideal elevations which Mickael farms sustainably (culture raisonnée). Grass is allowed to partially grow in the vineyards. The wines are vegan - the whites and rosés are fined with bentonite while the reds are unfined. The grapes are always hand-harvested (while 90% of the producers in Sancerre harvest mechanically) and the Sancerre Blanc is produced from the very select Grand Chemarin and Chêne Marchand vineyards. Superb terroir and limited production translate into very generous and gratifying wines.

This exceptional white and terrific value is made of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, coming from vines in Menetou-Salon that are averaging 15 years old, planted on a clay/limestone soil. Located in Morogues, 20km away from Sancerre, the parcel counts as one of the very best terroirs of the appellation. The grapes are manually harvested, then go through pneumatic pressing and cold racking. The wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 3 to 4 months, then fined and filtered before bottling. Perfectly balanced, it offers a very aromatic nose of exotic fruits and intense citrus notes.