Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2021: best 2023 to 2031.
vintage2 yrs10 yrs12 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Spectator reviewed 2023202191/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: citrus zest, white flower, chalk, white peach

Palate: lemon, saline mineral, stone, creamy lees

Single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Kimmeridgian limestone in Morogues. Chalky depth more often associated with Sancerre proper, at Menetou-Salon prices.

What it pairs with

  • Crottin de Chavignol
    Sister AOC to Sancerre with the same goat-cheese affinity; chalk and lactic-salt lock together.
  • Sole grenobloise
    Brown butter, caper and lemon meets the wine's chalky citrus signature.
  • Oysters
    Saline mineral edge and shellfish brine align; citrus replaces lemon wedge.
  • Asparagus with hollandaise
    Sauvignon's herbal lift bridges the vegetable's bitterness; saline mineral cuts egg-yolk richness.

History

Domaine Henry Pelle accounts for 25 percent of the entire Menetou-Salon AOC's production. The Blanchais lieu-dit in Morogues shares the same Kimmeridgian limestone soils as Sancerre proper.

  1. 2000: Single-vineyard Les Blanchais bottling launched
  2. 1980: Eric Pelle joins his father Henry at the estate

Facts

Producer
Domaine Henry Pelle · visiting guide
Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Classification
Menetou-Salon AOC
Oak
Vinified in stainless steel; aged on fine lees, no oak
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 25 to 40 at retail
Drinking window
2-10 from vintage
First vintage
2000
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Menetou-Salon Morogues Les Blanchais

What does Pelle Clos des Blanchais taste like?

Citrus zest, white flower, chalk and white peach on the nose; lemon, saline mineral, stone and creamy lees on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long chalky finish.

When should I drink Pelle Clos des Blanchais?

Drink between 2 and 10 years from vintage. The Kimmeridgian limestone gives the wine more cellaring depth than typical Menetou-Salon; 3 to 5 years adds complexity.

Where is Clos des Blanchais grown?

On Kimmeridgian limestone in the Morogues lieu-dit of Clos des Blanchais. The soil profile matches Sancerre's premier slopes.

Is Pelle Clos des Blanchais vegan?

Yes. The estate is organic-certified and the wines are produced without animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

dry high acid medium body medium term mood elegant mood refreshing occasion aperitivo occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with vegetable forward pairs with white fish price trade up sauvignon blanc single vineyard still white value pick vegan

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