Located just southwest of Sancerre, the commune of Menetou-Salon produces Sauvignon Blancs that have long rivaled those of their more popular neighbor. The version from Domaine Jean Teiller is a prime example, and this small, certified organic, family-run estate has produced a spectacular bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the high-quality/low-quantity 2021 vintage.
A serious candidate for the top premium Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc value, this concentrated and evocative white wine is in top form this vintage. Even better, at less than $25, this won't put nearly as much stress on your banking account as Sancerre will. Keep reading, it just gets better!
2021 Domaine Jean Teiller Menetou-Salon Blanc
Stellar, small production, family-made Loire Valley Sauvie at a great price!
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Founded in the 1950's, Domaine Jean Teiller is today run by husband and wife Patricia and Olivier Luneau. Patricia is the 4th generation of the Teiller family to make wines in Menetou-Salon, and she and her husband met in Beaune, where they both studied winemaking. The estate has been certified organic since 2017, they work with old vines, and their soils are the same as those found in Chablis.
Dirt isn't always fun to talk about, but when it comes to wine, it's a very important aspect. Menetou-Salon is home to Kimmeridgian soils (clay and limestone), and these soils along with the Luneau's use of native yeasts result in a wine that expresses wonderful terroir, that French term that loosely means "sense of place."
Being that the Loire Valley was the first area in France that I visited, I can say with experience that this wine is the epitome of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It doesn't taste like Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Napa, or South Africa; it tastes like the Loire, and one sniff awakens fond memories of my time spent there several years back. Elegant citrus, peach, chalky mineral, flowers, and savory herb can all be found in this engaging white that I'd happily put in a blind tasting against many Sancerres.
It's springtime in these lovely mountains of WNC, and this is the wine you want to sip after work on your front porch. It's far from a simple and casual wine though -- be sure to reserve some to serve with your favorite seafood dishes. Just 7 cases of this truly artisan wine are up for grabs, and it's first come, first served. You know what to do next!
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville