Wines Menetou-Salon René Carroi - 2023

Viniou Reviews

René Carroi Menetou-Salon Blanc 2023 is a wine that shines with the quintessential character of the Loire Valley. Crafted exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc, this white expresses the best of its grape with remarkable freshness and vivid aromatics. The 2023 vintage benefited from a relatively mild winter and a warm, sunny growing season, allowing for gradual ripening and expressive flavour development. The vineyards around Menetou-Salon are rooted in Kimmeridgian marl soils, the same chalky clay-limestone found in neighbouring appellations like Sancerre, infusing the wines with a finesse and persistent minerality. Vinification here typically focuses on preserving the pure varietal expression, employing cool fermentations in stainless steel to capture zesty citrus fruit, white florals, and a characteristic flinty undertone.

The Menetou-Salon area within the Centre-Loire is less renowned internationally than Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, yet it shares a rich viticultural history dating back to the Middle Ages. The region enjoys a semi-continental climate, balancing ample sunshine with refreshing nights, ideal for maintaining Sauvignon Blanc's energetic acidity and aromatic lift. The diversity of soils – Kimmeridgian marls, Oxfordian limestones, and siliceous clays – accentuates the wine's brightness and texture.

When it comes to food pairings, this Menetou-Salon is the perfect partner for the Loire’s own goat cheeses, such as Crottin de Chavignol, whose tangy creaminess is elevated by the wine’s assertive acidity. You might also enjoy it with fresh shellfish, oysters, or delicate fish dishes, as well as vegetable-forward fare like asparagus risotto or a classic salade de chèvre chaud. For a more local touch, consider pairing it with rillettes de poisson or pike quenelles with a light citrus sauce.

To enjoy René Carroi Menetou-Salon Blanc 2023 at its best, serve it well-chilled, ideally at 8-10°C. This temperature range accentuates its tension, vibrant fruit and minerality, while preserving its aromatic nuances. It is delightful young but will maintain its charm over the next couple of years.