Our Growers:

Anne Pellé, Paul-Henry Pellé, Julien Zernott

Domaine Henry Pelle

Menetou-Salon's finest village, Morogues, is where the Domaine Henry Pellé is located, less than ten miles west of the western limit of Sancerre. Its soils and climate are similar to that of Sancerre, and its finest wines, like the Pellés' single vineyard Menetous, easily rival a Sancerre. For lovers of great Loire Sauvignon, the best Menetous are wonderful bargains.

The Pellés' cellars are ultra-modern: they use a pneumatic press-an advantage for their reds because it gives them very fine tannins- they vinify and age their wines at low temperatures in huge stainless tanks. They do not, however, consider themselves "new world:" for their vinifications they use only the indigenous yeasts that are found on the grapes and they do not inoculate with a yeast culture. They use no chemicals.

Menetou-Salon white, les Bornes: This is a blend of many sites in the vicinity of Morogues. The vines are both young and old, with many over 35 years. Les Bornes is the local term for the clay soil.

Menetou-Salon Morogues, blanc: The grapes for this wine are entirely from the estate. The limestone soil and the different exposures of the vines make for a wine that blends the elegance of the grape variety with the quality terroir.

Clos des Blanchais: Old vines- almost 50 years old-of sauvignon blanc on a single, small isolated slope, quite steep, sheltered from the wind by a line of trees to the

north and west, it faces southeast- an ideal exposition for optimal ripening. Fifteen percent of the wine is aged in wood for roundness and elegance. This is a beautiful wine full of finesse and freshness. The nose is inviting , with a mixture of exotic fruits, citrus fruits, and fresh mint; the mouth is full, dense, pure and elegant with a silky texture. This is a long and expressive sauvignon blanc.

Clos de Ratier: The Ratier slope is quite steep and southwest-facing. The finesse and brightness of the Ratier reflects its site, and makes for a splendid contrast to the Clos des Blanchais.

Les Cris: A single-site vineyard of 45-year old Pinot Noir planted by sélection massale. This lieu-dit, a very well-aired gentle slope facing east-southeast directly across the valley from the Clos Ratier, produces one of the most memorable Pinot Noirs in the Loire. Sixty percent of the wine is vinified in wood. The wine is a classic, rich Pinot, with aromas of resin/licorice alongside wild cherry and sous-bois (humus). This is Pinot of great finesse and length.

Sancerre rouge La Croix au Garde: The grapes come from estate vineyards in Montigny and from a grower in Verdigny with whom the Pellés have partnered since 1995. The vines are as old as 40 years and are vinified 60% in wood.

Website: www.henry-pelle.com



	Our Growers: Anne Pellé, Paul-Henry Pellé, Julien Zernott Domaine Henry Pelle
	Menetou-Salon's finest village, Morogues, is where the Domaine Henry Pellé is located, less than ten miles west of the western limit of Sancerre. Its soils and climate are similar to that of Sancerre, and its finest wines, like the Pellés' single vineyard Menetous, easily rival a Sancerre. For lovers of great Loire Sauvignon, the best Menetous are wonderful bargains. The Pellés' cellars are ultra-modern: they use a pneumatic press-an advantage for their reds because it gives them very fine tannins- they vinify and age their wines at low temperatures in huge stainless tanks. They do not, however, consider themselves "new world:" for their vinifications they use only the indigenous yeasts that are found on the grapes and they do not inoculate with a yeast culture. They use no chemicals. Menetou-Salon white, les Bornes: This is a blend of many sites in the vicinity of Morogues. The vines are both young and old, with many over 35 years. Les Bornes is the local term for the clay soil. Menetou-Salon Morogues, blanc: The grapes for this wine are entirely from the estate. The limestone soil and the different exposures of the vines make for a wine that blends the elegance of the grape variety with the quality terroir. Clos des Blanchais: Old vines- almost 50 years old-of sauvignon blanc on a single, small isolated slope, quite steep, sheltered from the wind by a line of trees to the
	north and west, it faces southeast- an ideal exposition for optimal ripening. Fifteen percent of the wine is aged in wood for roundness and elegance. This is a beautiful wine full of finesse and freshness. The nose is inviting , with a mixture of exotic fruits, citrus fruits, and fresh mint; the mouth is full, dense, pure and elegant with a silky texture. This is a long and expressive sauvignon blanc. Clos de Ratier: The Ratier slope is quite steep and southwest-facing. The finesse and brightness of the Ratier reflects its site, and makes for a splendid contrast to the Clos des Blanchais. Les Cris: A single-site vineyard of 45-year old Pinot Noir planted by sélection massale. This lieu-dit, a very well-aired gentle slope facing east-southeast directly across the valley from the Clos Ratier, produces one of the most memorable Pinot Noirs in the Loire. Sixty percent of the wine is vinified in wood. The wine is a classic, rich Pinot, with aromas of resin/licorice alongside wild cherry and sous-bois (humus). This is Pinot of great finesse and length. Sancerre rouge La Croix au Garde: The grapes come from estate vineyards in Montigny and from a grower in Verdigny with whom the Pellés have partnered since 1995. The vines are as old as 40 years and are vinified 60% in wood. Website: www.henry-pelle.com