Soils, sub-soils and climate
A traditional wine-making region since the 11th century, the terroir is situated on marls and clays of the kimmeridgian stage (Jurassic) of the Paris Basin. _
Sub-soils
Vines are planted on the best hillsides, on a narrow strip of approximately 5 kilometres, and stretch out over nearly 25 kilometres north of Bourges (Pigny), at the outermost of the Sancerre appellation (Humbligny).
The Kimmeridgian stage, found in the Champagne and Chablis regions and extending on the Quincy appellation, (...)
The Menetou-Salon AOC appellation
Situated in the centre of France, the Menetou-Salon vines produce rare and flavoursome wines. The domaine’s quality standards are recognised as among the most demanding of the Loire region.
A neighbour of Sancerre, the Menetou-Salon AOC appellation covers a modest 1,160 acres in an area north of Bourges.
The Menetou-Salon AOC appellation is exclusively planted with pinot noir for red and rosé wines and sauvignon for white wines.
A bit of history…
Setting up and perpetuating a vineyard is (...)
Les Renardières White 2006
Produced on a 2.5-acre plot, the harvest of some 38 hectolitres was fermented in casks over almost 11 months. A third of the barrels are renewed each year. The wine was bottled at the end of February 2008.
The concentration and strong mineral character of this vintage gives the 5,000 bottles strong fruit overtones and an excellent potential for ageing.
It has an attractive robe with golden hues and a bouquet made up of white flowers and citrus fruits.
This rich and complex wine, which (...)
Les Renardières Red 2007
Produced from the 5 acres of the Treilles plot, in the village of Parassy, the few 8,000 bottles produced in 2007 reveal a strong pinot noir.
Its robe is a deep ruby red. The aromas are powerfull ; spices and intense red fruits are prominent. Then come the musk and the liquorice. It is the power and finesse of a pinot noir on high-quality clay-limestone terroir.
It was bottled in July and is only just starting to open up and give its best. It is essential that it be decanted two good (...)
Menetou-Salon Rosé 2009
The Rosé holds its own in our appellation. Produced in small quantities, it is nonetheless worked with as much passion and rigour as our other wines, even if it is in a minor key... Our first "organic" Rosé will be available for spring, late April seems reasonable.
Tasting advices are endless since rosé wines often tend to be the victims of their “easy wine” reputation. Dare to serve it as an aperitif and in a carafe to impress those lacking enthusiasm. It will be a subtle accompaniment for (...)
Menetou-Salon White 2007
The 2007 vintage is a miracle. Written off at the end of summer, the north wind which blew in September allowed the grapes, affected by botrytis, to dry and finally ripen. This vintage is more than ever synonymous with patience! Winemakers who expected the auspicious time to harvest were able to preserve the best of this wine.
The robe is an attractive clear and bright light gold enhanced by a powerful and elegant bouquet made up of the aromatic pureness of citrus flavours. In the mouth, (...)
Menetou-Salon Red 2006
This is undoubtedly the quintessential pinot noir in our regions. This generous and powerful vintage lacks nothing in elegance and freshness. We thought that 2005 was perfect. 2006 has achieved the same balance, now in a major key...
The robe is an attractive ruby red, with violet hues. The bouquet confirms the promise of the eye, with a subtle pallet of red fruits and strong mineral freshness. Mouthfeel is ample and rounded, without aggressiveness. The mineral character reveals softly. (...)
OUR BELIEFS
The Domaine Philippe Gilbert is a family domain situated at the heart of the terroir of the Menetou Salon appellation. Wines from the property are the genuine expression of the clay-limestone lands of the appellation. We respect their typicity by proposing two different cuvées:
The cuvée Domaine, in white and red (sometimes Rosé), more traditional, affords wines distinguished by their freshness and balance.
The cuvée Les Renardières, in white and red, made in casks from the oldest vines of (...)
2010 France’s best wines guide
This domain has been committed to organic farming, then biodynamics, since 2005. A pretty risky bet indeed for a vineyard located in the Cher region, northern half of France. Philippe Gilbert has been advised by Jean-Philippe Louis, oenologist, since the quality boost given to the domain ten years ago. The cuvee Les Renardières is made from the oldest pinot noir and sauvignon vines. The whites have gained in breath and iodine length since the last vintages. After an intense woody period, (...)
Menetou-Salon les Renardières Red 2007:
Very good wine A tasty Menetou. 100% pinot noir, grown in barrel (one year) and vat (11 months). This cuvee reveals an intense bouquet with overtones of fruits (soaked cherry, raspberry, blackberry), flowers, woodland, musk as well as smoky and spicy hints. The mouth, flavourful and tasty, is a perfect balance between fruit overtones, silky tannins and subtle acidity with a liquorice finish. Non-glued, non-filtered. Gourmet dish: Veal loin with leak and truffle (...)
Red Menetou-Salon 2007
A good wine A delightful, ruby-coloured wine, with a bouquet exhaling overtones of red berries with floral, bracken and musk notes. A 100% pinot noir from old vines (25 years) cultivated on kimmeridgian marls. The mouth, delicate, unfolds a subtle material blending fruit overtone with gentle tannins and a nice freshness. Non-glued, non-filtered. Gourmet dish: Sancerre ham with a thick slice of toasted country-style (...)
Menetou-Salon les Renardières White 2007
Excellent wine. A Menetou with a dazzling personality. 100% sauvignon from old vines, grown in barrels (10 months) and vats (8 months). This cuvee, adorned with a light yellow robe and green-gold glints, reveals a sharp bouquet full of aromas that combines with harmony ripe white fruits (sloe, peach), and smoky, rice powder hints with a beautiful minerality. The mouth is ample, vigorous and combines fat, fruit, freshness and minerality. A nice and persistent finish. Non-filtered. Gourmet (...)
Menetou-Salon White 2008
Exceptional wine – One of our favourites A magnificent wine. A superb expression of sauvignon. Adorned with a bright light yellow robe, the sharp, vigorous bouquet, 100% sauvignon from old vines (25 years), exhales intense and complex notes combining white and exotic fruits (pineapple) with fresh herb, mint, musk and a hint of minerality. The mouth, vigorous, linear and pure alike, is a perfect balance between tangy fruit, freshness and minerality. Just perfect. Gourmet dish: Fresh grey (...)
Les Renardières rouge 2006
Philippe Gilbert, well supported by the oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis, perpetuates a family tradition dating back 1768. Today run in compliance with organic farming and biodynamic requirements, the Domaine offers the best of its terroir as the winemaker gives a marvellous account of his know-how. With its deep purple robe, this 2006 cuvée bears the colour of a young wine. The bouquet is dominated by roasted and spicy overtones, with berryfruit scents (blackcurrant) perfectly melting with (...)
Menetou-Salon Red 2005
Philippe Gilbert took over the management of the Domaine in 1998. With the oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis, he has invested enormously and set up the tools needed for the vines and cellar and for the production of high-quality wines. To be fully in accord with his convictions, Philippe Gilbert now runs the vineyard in compliance with organic farming requirements. The reds are still somewhat lacking in body and material, the Menetou-Salon whites are very good. Watch this (...)
Menetou-Salon White 2005
Philippe Gilbert and his oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis make a great team on this property founded in 1768.
From the very first smell, this wine’s aromas of citrus and exotic fruits are firmly present.
The impression left by the attack is one of suppleness; then an edge that is not completely without fat comes to the fore, giving good tone. Seafood will suit it perfectly.
Menetou-Salon White 2006
Philippe Gilbert took over the management of the Domaine in 1998. With the oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis, he has invested enormously and set up the tools needed for the vines and cellar and for the production of high-quality wines. To be fully in accord with his convictions, Philippe Gilbert now runs the vineyard in compliance with organic farming requirements. The reds are still somewhat lacking in body and material, the Menetou-Salon whites are very good. Watch this (...)
Renardières White 2005
Philippe Gilbert took over the management of the Domaine in 1998. With the oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis, he has invested enormously and set up the tools needed for the vines and cellar and for the production of high-quality wines. To be fully in accord with his convictions, Philippe Gilbert now runs the vineyard in compliance with organic farming requirements. The reds are still somewhat lacking in body and material, the Menetou-Salon whites are very good. Watch this (...)
Renardières White 2004
Philippe Gilbert took over the management of the Domaine in 1998. With the oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis, he has invested enormously and set up the tools needed for the vines and cellar and for the production of high-quality wines. To be fully in accord with his convictions, Philippe Gilbert now runs the vineyard in compliance with organic farming requirements. The reds are still somewhat lacking in body and material, the Menetou-Salon whites are very good. Watch this (...)
Renardières Red 2005
Renardières Red 2005: 15/20
The 2005 has well-defined tannins with a gourmet quality to it.
Renardières Red 2004
Philippe Gilbert took over the management of the Domaine in 1998. With the oenologist Jean-Philippe Louis, he has invested enormously and set up the tools needed for the vines and cellar and for the production of high-quality wines. To be fully in accord with his convictions, Philippe Gilbert now runs the vineyard in compliance with organic farming requirements. The reds are still somewhat lacking in body and material, the Menetou-Salon whites are very good. Watch this (...)