2025 · 1ère Escale

Menard-Gaborit is a family-owned, sixth-generation domaine in Monnières, in the Sèvre et Maine region of the Loire Valley, focused on Muscadet. François and Pauline Menard took over in 2019, combining family tradition with experience gained in Burgundy and elsewhere. The vineyards are certified organic, with no synthetic products used; soils are ploughed, cover crops and eco-grazing support biodiversity, and the domaine is moving toward biodynamics. Melon B is central, alongside Folle Blanche, Chardonnay and Gamay. Parcel-specific wines reflect varied gabbro, gneiss, orthogneiss and micaschist soils. Fermentation and élevage use concrete vats, some historic, as well as oak, clay and concrete eggs; wines are often aged on lees with reasoned sulfur additions. The range includes Muscadet, communal crus, IGP Val de Loire and traditional-method sparkling wines.