Menetou-Salon, Cuvée Valentine 2022

The domaine itself is very young, founded in 2020 by Joseph and Marie de Maistre after careers outside wine. Joseph, originally from the Centre-Loire, was inspired by his grandfather (a Cognac producer) and trained in both France and South Africa before returning home to start his own project. Rather than building from scratch, they took over two historic estates: one in Reuilly and the Prieuré de Saint-Céols in Menetou-Salon, whose vineyard history stretches back as far as 1190, when land was entrusted to monastic orders. This combination gives the winery an interesting dual identity: a new-generation producer with a fresh, hands-on philosophy, working with vineyards that are deeply embedded in Loire history and terroir.

In Menetou-Salon, the Prieuré de Saint-Céols continues a winemaking history dating back to the 12th century. Its fossil rich limestone soils are ideally suited to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, yielding wines of purity, structure and quiet depth. The 12 hectare estate here is fully organic. Gentle pressing for delicate extraction of aromas. Full vinification, then matured for 9 months in oak barrels. Filtration before bottling.

A fine expression of Reuilly Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of ripe white fruit and orchard notes. The palate offers lush peach, pear and apricot flavours, hints of vanilla and gentle spice from oak ageing, and a clean mineral lift that keeps the finish fresh and lively.

Versatile, with grilled fish and meats, gourmet desserts and

The Loire, France's longest river, is home to many much celebrated and quintessential French grapes. From the once ubiquitous-in-the-UK Melon de Bourgogne by the Atlantic coast, to the home of Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre, via some of the world's best Chenin and crunchy Cabernet Franc, Gamay & Pinots. There is quality all around. Being at the northernly limit for winemaking, the wines are hallmarked by their crisp, fresh, crunchy fruit and high acidity, where reds may sometimes struggle to ripen and whites nearly overdeliver on acidity. The 69 appellations that make up the larger region are grouped into smaller sub-regions with predominantly single variety wines leading the way. As you move east the climate changes markedly from maritime to continental as the soils change from flint and limestone to the hard granite of central France.