The story of the Menard winery begins in 1920, when Swiss winegrower Jean Francois Morel settled in Gascony and acquired a 10-hectare estate. In 1960, his daughter and son-in-law took over his duties and further expanded the vineyards. Today, the family owns 190 hectares and boasts a brand-new, modern wine cellar. The first wines were bottled in 2003, and the quality of the wines has improved year after year.
The Colombard, Ugni Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc vines used for the estate's dry white wines are planted in shallow, stony soils, while the Petit & Gros Manseng vines, whose overripe grapes produce elegant sweet wines, are planted in deep, tawny, sandy soils. While a wine's full potential is revealed in the cellar, it is in the vineyard that this potential is defined.
The estate has invested heavily in some of the most modern equipment for its wine cellar. The grapes are harvested at peak ripeness, after which they undergo rigorous selection in the cellar. After pressing, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks. Everything is balanced, and regular tastings are conducted to ensure the wines are as pure and aromatic as possible.
The Gros Manseng Cotes de Gascogne is a semi-sweet French white wine. It has a delicate sweetness that lends roundness and juiciness to the fruity aromas, with notes of peach and white grapes. It has a silky, soothing texture and a light acidity that gives the wine a touch of freshness. The finish is fruity and pleasantly long.
