Isabelle et Pierre Clement Domaine de Chatenoy Menetou-Salon 2022
(Loire, France) 750mL

About the winery:
The Clément family have been making wine in Menetou-Salon since 1560, making them one of the oldest family-owned producers in the region. Lying just 19 miles west of Sancerre, Menetou is a small appellation of 600 hectares that sits on the famed Kimmeridgian ridge, a unique limestone bedrock that is also found in Chablis, parts of Sancerre, and parts of Champagne. Ancient seas once covered these areas, as evidenced by the vast amounts of fossilized seashells still found in the limestone rocks throughout the vineyards. With the perfect balance of clay mixed in with the rocks, this exceptional terroir is white wine heaven, giving the Sauvignon Blanc of Menetou a distinctly crystalline and mineral quality. The Clément family have been meticulous stewards of this terroir for many generations and are today led by Pierre Clément and his wife Isabelle, along with their children Pierre-Alexandre and Anne. Their formula for making great wine is simple; organic farming, hand-harvesting, gentle and long presses, indigenous yeast fermentations, and aging in stainless steel. This simplicity has paid off as they have long been known as one of the top producers in Menetou-Salon, making traditional Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from the top sites in the appellation.

Farming/vinification practices: As of January 2022, the Clements enter their third year of transition to organic certification, expected in 2023. The Clements have worked their soils mechanically for many years. Grass is left to grow between the rows to protect against rot (it absorbs moisture). Only indigenous yeasts are used. All the tanks are temperature-controlled through a central computer that can be accessed remotely.

Notes from the Winemaker: