Menetou-Salon is just west of, and very much smaller than, the much more famous sancerre, near the city of Bourges, producing a not dissimilar range of red, white, and rosé wines which can often offer better value—from 535 ha/1,321 acres of vines in 2012. Sauvignon Blanc grown here is capable of making wines every bit as refreshingly aromatic as Sancerre. Soils in the appellation are mainly limestone and can be very similar to those in the more famous zone to the east, although Menetou’s vineyards are flatter and less compact, resulting in a less favourable mesoclimate. The best zone is around the village of Morogues, a name used on the labels of producers such as Henry Pellé. The village of Parassy also has a high concentration of vineyards. Sauvignon Blanc represents about 60% of the appellation’s total production, while Pinot Noir grapes are responsible for scented, light reds and pinks for early consumption, this lightness owing much to relatively high permitted yields—yet more evidence of the similarity between Sancerre and Menetou-Salon.
