Loire Love Letter: Jameson Fink, Esquin Wine Merchants, Seattle
I have always enjoyed the bracing, elegant, and justly highly-regarded Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre as well as the neighboring appellation of Menetou-Salon; it was a thrill to visit these two regions on my recent trip there with the Loire Valley Wine Bureau.
But as much I love the white wines from this area of the Loire, I may have been even more impressed with the quality of the reds being produced there; some lovely Pinot Noir is being made in these two regions. If your taste in Pinot leans towards a more elegant style, I highly recommend exploring Sancerre and Mentou-Salon beyond the more well-known Sauvignon Blanc. I can’t help but think that fans of Burgundy would really appreciate these Pinots.
I was so impressed, in fact, with the Pinot Noir from one of the places we visited in Menetou-Salon, Domaine Jean Teiller, that I braved taking a magnum back in my checked luggage. And, thankfully, it arrived in Seattle in one piece. I’m trying to keep my hands off it for a while, but I guarantee it will be consumed with some of the exceptional wild salmon we are able to get in here and a few close friends. I’ll let you know if I have an extra seat at the table.
- Jameson Fink, Esquin Wine Merchants, Seattle (@winewithjameson)