Domaine Mérieau: Vineyards
As already indicated in my introduction, the domaine is located close to Montrichard, a commune which sits on the banks of the Cher. Its vineyards are scattered around on the slopes and hillsides on the left bank of the Cher, around the original location of the domaine’s cellars. Jean-François Mérieau has approximately 35 hectares of land here, generally on south- and southeast-facing slopes, with some areas of highly regarded limestone and clay included.
The vineyards are planted with the traditional Loire Valley varieties, and in white Sauvignon Blanc dominates, with 10 hectares dedicated to this variety, although there are also 1.5 hectares given over to Menu Pineau. As for the red vines, in the lead in terms of area planted is Gamay, with 9 hectares, although there are also parcels of Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir and Côt. This latter variety is particularly significant for the domaine; Jean-François has 3.5 hectares of it, which he sometimes blends with other varieties, but he also produces a monovarietal example which indicates very nicely the character and potential that lies within this particular cultivar.
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