Wines Menetou-Salon Domaine Coquin - 2024

Domaine Coquin’s Menetou-Salon 2024 is a white wine crafted predominantly from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, reflecting the precision and freshness of its Loire Valley origins. The 2024 vintage, with its youthful energy, promising zesty aromatics typical of this grape variety—think vibrant citrus, crisp green apple, and a subtle touch of gooseberry all interwoven with delicate floral and mineral notes. The terroir of Menetou-Salon is inherently expressive, with marl and Kimmeridgian limestone soils imparting a signature steely backbone and refined minerality to the wines. Vinification here often favours temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve aromatic purity and crisp acidity, echoing the promise of a bright and spirited white.

The Menetou-Salon appellation resides at the heart of the Centre-Loire region, nestled near the more famous Sancerre. This region, with its semi-continental climate, benefits from brisk springs and warm summers offset by cool nights, crucial for retaining acidity and vibrancy in the finished wine. The soils, a patchwork of limestone, clay, and fossil-rich marls, are renowned for nurturing Sauvignon Blanc vines and producing whites with notable finesse and a distinctive, stony minerality. Viticulture here dates back to the Middle Ages, and Menetou-Salon has gradually earned a reputation for understated elegance and precision, making its wines excellent ambassadors for Loire Valley whites.

This Menetou-Salon is an excellent partner for a range of dishes. Its lively acidity and delicate fruit make it a classic match with local chèvre such as Crottin de Chavignol, as well as fresh seafood—think oysters, langoustines, or a citrus-dressed shrimp salad. For a regional pairing, consider serving with a rillette de poisson or coquilles Saint-Jacques. It will also complement Asian-inspired dishes with ginger or lemongrass, and fresh salads featuring herbs or tangy vinaigrettes.

For optimum enjoyment, serve Domaine Coquin’s Menetou-Salon 2024 well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. This temperature will showcase both its aromatic lift and vibrant palate, making for a refreshing and authentic tasting experience.