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What We Say 2005 MENETOU-SALON White
. . *Mission Debriefing* . .
. . Time : 0600 Hours (Zulu)
. . Agent : White
. . Subject: MENETOU-SALON White (Sauvignon Blanc)
. . Deep Background: Pierre Clement, the owner of Domaine de Chatenoy, studied oenology in Dijon, France. His family have been winegrowers in the fabled Loire Valley since 1560. He is a 14th generation winemaker.
Neighboring Domaine de Chatenoy is rival region, the famous Sancerre. While Sancerre produces a similar style of wines, Domaine de Chatenoy wines posses a unique personality. Its wines, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc I spied while undercover there, are more covert.
. . Wine Tasting: After bribing a young vineyard worker with American chocolates, I was able to procure a bottle of Menetou-Salon White. I retreated to my forest hideyhole to open the wine. Instantly I found this Sauv Blanc to have a vivid citrus bouquet, and a rich palate of white peach, lemongrass and spring flowers. While I could not confirm it during the mission, I believe that this wine would be a perfect match for lobster and scallops. It certainly went well with the river fish that, thanks to my survival training, I was able to catch using an improvised fishing pole fashioned from pine needles, moss and a discarded coffee tin.
- . . In Summary: This would be a great wine, drunk well-chilled on a summer afternoon. I think that this wine would be easy to drink on its own, and that pairing with the right foods could be somewhat challenging. It is my recommendation that recruits purchase 2 or more bottles to experiment with. Especially at current Wine Spies pricing.
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: end report : :
What the Winery Says
Domaine de Chatenoy
Vines: 100% Sauvignon.
Age: 20 - 40 years.
Method: 1/3 maceration with skin, pneumatic pressing, cold treatment, spontaneous fermentation using local yeasts in temperature-regulated stainless steel vats, raised on fine sediment the bottled in the spring.
Production: Approximately 280 000 bottles per year.
Notes on the taste and service: This is a remarkable expressive Sauvignon, with a backcurrant bouquet which unites freshness with an exceptional depth of taste.
Served cool, this wine is a marvellous accompaniment to fish and sea food.
It should be drunk young.
