The history of the estate
A family story
The story ofDomaine Philippe GilbertIt began in 1768 with François Gilbert. This tavern owner took over his father-in-law's vineyards and created the estate from scratch. Since then, theDomaine Philippe Gilbertis a true family story that fosters craftsmanship. Family know-how is passed down both in the vineyard and in the winery. The currentPhilippe Gilberttook over the estate. After his studies at the Lyon wine school, he wasn't particularly destined to take over the estate. An artist and passionate about his craft, he initially pursued a career as a playwright. When his father passed away suddenly, he realized that the transmission of the family's expertise rested on his shoulders. He returned to his roots and worked with the estate's oenologist, Jean-Philippe Louis. From generation to generation, the wines become ever purer, more authentic, and reveal the magnificent terroir ofMenetou-Salon.
The Menetou-Salon vineyard
A sublime name
The estate covers 28 hectares of vineyards spread betweenSauvignon BlancAndPinot NoirThe vines are planted on hillsides, in a narrow strip 5 km by 25 km. The Kimmeridgian limestone is found here.ChampagneorChablisor even the nameSancerreneighboring. This soil is a trace of the sea that covered the area centuries ago, leaving behind thousands of oyster shells. The minerality of this soil is so pronounced that it imparts a saline character to the wines. Since its establishment in 1998,Philippe Gilbertundertakes a conversion to agricultureorganicthen inbiodynamicsin 2006. The aim was to bring out all the typicity of the terroir. Mission accomplished for the winemaker; with each passing vintage, the honeyed character becomes even more pronounced.
The wines of the estate
The dialogue between the vine and the winemaker
THEDomaine Gilbertseeks to express the identity of the terroir by vinifying plot by plot for the great vintages.The Candlestickscomes from a one-hectare plot ofSauvignon BlancFor example, in the cellars, the white wines are aged in stainless steel tanks or large oak casks, and some of the reds in barrels. Generally, the estate offers around a dozen different wines, vintage conditions permitting. On tasting, what strikes us most is the saline and mineral character in both the reds and whites. The whites are crystalline, and the reds are reminiscent of some great Pinot Noirs from Burgundy. Don't wait any longer to discover these superb wines!
