Menetou-Salon

Sancerre's undervalued neighbor - same Kimmeridgian limestone, fraction of the price

History

Jacques Coeur, silversmith to King Charles VII and medieval France's wealthiest man, purchased Château de Menetou-Salon 1448 - royal connection established prestige. Domaine Philippe Gilbert family has made wine here since 1768 (9 generations). AOC granted 1959, but remains overshadowed by neighboring Sancerre despite identical Kimmeridgian limestone terroir.

At a glance

Climate: Continental with cold winters; Kimmeridgian marl and limestone identical to Sancerre; 350m elevation
Signature wines: Domaine Philippe Gilbert (since 1768) and Domaine de Châtenoy - Sancerre quality at Menetou-Salon prices
What sets it apart: Jacques Coeur (King's silversmith, France's richest man) bought château 1448; Philippe Gilbert family 9 generations since 1768; same Kimmeridgian limestone as Sancerre

600 hectares
AOC 1959
same Kimmeridgian soils as Sancerre
Jacques Coeur purchased château 1448
10 communes