2011 Le Prieuré des Aublats, Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Loire, France, Menetou-Salon

This wine is made by a famlily of winemakers since 10 generations.

Half a century ago, Henri Bourgeois, the grandfather, cultivated just a few hectares of vines in the heart of Chavignol, the beloved traditional village in the Berry region where his children grew up. Henri Bourgeois was a pioneer. He gradually moved away from multi-crop farming, which, at the time was the only way to feed his family, and specialized into winegrowing. It was no small risk but his passion for the vines got the better of his reason.

Under the management of his sons, Rémi and Jean-Marie, who very soon gained a reputation for discovering marvellous terroirs and making fine wines, the vineyard of Henri Bourgeois gradually extended over several villages in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, forming a mosaic of parcels cultivated with meticulous care. In the mid 80’s, a modern, eco-friendly cellar was built to provide exceptionally good conditions for careful winemaking and wine-ageing.

Today, the 72 hectares cultivated by the family composes a palette of 120 parcels.

Menetou-Salon is a wine appellation of controlled origin and occurs around Menetout-Salon, northeast of Bourges. The production area is 450 hectares with varieties like Sauvignon Blanc (white wine) and Pinot Noir (red and rose wines).