2023 Henry Pellé Menetou-Salon Blanc Morogues

Domaine Henry Pellé traces its roots to early 20th-century Berry, where Paul Pellé first sold barrels to local brasseries. Over time, the family transitioned from producing wine for personal use to establishing a regional reputation. It was Henry Pellé’s leadership, beginning in the mid-20th century, that defined the domaine’s trajectory. His insistence on highlighting the village of Morogues on labels underscored a belief in terroir-specific quality. Today, his grandson Paul-Henry Pellé continues the family’s work, crafting wines from both Menetou-Salon and Sancerre, with a focus on single-vineyard expressions.

The domaine is based in the commune of Morogues, at the northeastern edge of the Menetou-Salon appellation, where vineyard altitudes reach up to 350 meters. This elevation, combined with a continental climate, supports extended ripening and preserves freshness in both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. While Menetou-Salon has long remained in Sancerre’s shadow, Pellé has helped elevate its status through consistent, terroir-driven bottlings, including the flagship Menetou-Salon Morogues and a series of site-specific cuvées like Les Cris, Le Carroir, and Vignes de Ratier.

Pellé’s vineyards rest on a base of clay-limestone soils, primarily composed of Kimmeridgian marl, a hallmark of the region’s finest sites. Le Carroir stands apart as the only parcel in the appellation rooted in flint. The team eschews herbicides and pesticides, relying instead on soil health, biodiversity, and compost to guide vine balance. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified gently, with white wines pressed slowly and aged on fine lees, while reds undergo long, gentle maceration and élevage in wood. Each cuvée reflects a precise translation of site, season, and family stewardship.