ANTOINE DE LA FARGE: Antoine's grandfather, Gerard Clément, was one of the most respected winemakers in the region and a founder of the 'Menetou-Salon' appellation. He is still present on the family domain and for Antoine he was and still is a great inspiration. He started his career in a wine shop and later became a top buyer for one of France's largest wine merchants. Here he was given the opportunity to expand his knowledge enormously and gain international experience (ex. in Australia).

After 12 years in wine retail, he returned to the domain in 2012 to put all that experience into practice. As a winemaker, Antoine feels every wine must be a natural reflection of its soil, requiring sustainable agriculture. To achieve this, Antoine does not manipulate the wine. That is why all grapes are picked by hand, only gravity is used and no yeasts are added to initiate the fermentation. His wines therefore constantly win prizes!

2020 VINTAGE

Appellation: MENETOU-SALON
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Terroir: Kimmeridgian clay-limestone (small fossilized oysters)
Plot: Clos de Beauregard ( 2,75 hectares)
Pruning: Single Guyot

This single-plot cuvée comes from one of the estate’s oldest vineyards (65 years old). A meticulous sorting of the grapes in the vineyard and in the cellar ensures that only the ripest and healthiest grapes to go into the vat. The natural fermentation is followed by careful maturation in 500-liter barrels made by the renowned coopers Gauthier Frères, based in Menetou-Salon. The oak staves used to make our barrels are sourced exclusively from local forests (Saint-Palais, Allogny).

VINIFICATION
De-stemming and sorting of the grapes, gravity-flow grape delivery, pre-fermentation maceration at 5°C for one week. Vinification under temperature control. Alternating punching down and pumping over depending on the tasting. Aged for 16 months in 500-litre barrels. Bottled in september 2021.

TASTING
Appearance: Ruby in colour with brick red flecks.
Nose: Notes of spice, leather and roasted black fruit. A hint of liquorice. The finish lingers on toasted notes.

Palate: The expression of a great pinot noir is revealed. Freshness, finesse and depth characterize this beautiful cuvée from old vines. The mid-palate combines freshness and density, with vibrant tannins emerging in the beautiful long, lingering finish that “pinotes” on the cherry and spicy notes (“pinotes” meaning that its aromas typify those of a Pinot Noir).

FOOD PAIRING
Originating from old vines on clay soil, this Pinot Noir is characterised by great depth and suave, smooth notes. Its rich palimpsest of aromas makes this wine the ideal companion for red meat, whether grilled, baked, or served in sauce. At the estate, we like to serve this wine at cellar temperature, around 13°C. In these conditions, it pairs
well with succulent white meats such as veal. Naturally, this wine makes a great accompaniment for any cheese platter.

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