Loire Valley White Wine

Although there are subtle differences between the terroir of Menetou-Salon, an up-and-coming region in central Loire, and that of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé to its east, all three regions offer a unique and distinctive take on the expressive Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. In this classic, cool season Loire year, this well-made Assadet Menetou-Salon rings with the freshness and vibrant acidity of the vintage. 

Made by brothers Gérard and Daniel Vinet, this comes from the subregion of Muscadet called Sèvre et Maine, considered the best ripening area for the briskly fruity Muscadet grape. Rich and pure, with up front lemon peel, melon and peach flavors, this is seasoned with mineral notes that stay persistent on the lengthy finish.

This semi-dry wine is the perfect balance between dry and sweeter wines. It combines freshness and roundness on the palate. Its balance enables this wine to suit a variety of situations and it can therefore be a perfect choice right through your meal. Starting with fish or scallops, this will continue to delight your guests with white meat or poultry and a cream and tarragon sauce or morel mushrooms.  

The 2011 Cellier de La Thibaude is an almost perfect cross between the soft, atypically lush style of the 2009, and the crisp, classically structured 2010. Vinified in stainless steel tanks without oak contact, this wine offers vibrant citrus, lemon and lime, and mineral notes on the bouquet; on the palate, notes of fresh grapefruit, yellow apple, and cling peach are nicely set off by brisk, tangy minerality. This is a highly versatile wine, with plenty of freshness for the cocktail hour, but also with sufficient intensity to work at the dinner table.