Isabelle et Pierre Clement

The Clément family have been making wine in Menetou-Salon since 1560, making them one of the oldest family-owned producers in the region. Lying just 19 miles west of Sancerre, Menetou is a small appellation of 600 hectares that sits on the famed Kimmeridgian ridge, a unique limestone bedrock that is also found in Chablis, parts of Sancerre, and parts of Champagne. Ancient seas once covered these areas, as evidenced by the vast amounts of fossilized seashells still found in the limestone rocks throughout the vineyards. With the perfect balance of clay mixed in with the rocks, this exceptional terroir is white wine heaven, giving the Sauvignon Blanc of Menetou a distinctly crystalline and mineral quality. The Clément family have been meticulous stewards of this terroir for many generations and are today led by Pierre Clément and his wife Isabelle, along with their children Pierre-Alexandre and Anne. Their formula for making great wine is simple; organic farming, hand-harvesting, gentle and long presses, indigenous yeast fermentations, and aging in stainless steel. This simplicity has paid off as they have long been known as one of the top producers in Menetou-Salon, making traditional Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from the top sites in the appellation.