Domaine Pierre Riffault Sancerre
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Riffault family has been winegrowers for multiple generations.
- This Sancerre comes from vines averaging 25 years in age.
- The vineyard is located on steep slopes offering good exposure.
- The terrior is clay-limestone (silex and caillottes).
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: The vineyard soils for the Sancerre are clay and limestone. Vinification is done in stainless steel tanks and the wine is aged for 6 months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes: A nice freshness and minerality. The nose offers citrus odors and white fruits. Fresh and exotic fruit aromas on the final stretch over orange and dried fruits.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
This is a third-generation producer, with father Pierre handing things over to son Bertrand in 2005. Bertrand brings a bit of a unique (and more urban) background to what is overall a fairly provincial scene in Chaudoux – He returned home to the winery after earning a Master’s degree in Sociology, and is just as interested in music and cooking as he is winegrowing. If you make it to the property ask about their unbelievable collection of old clay “crotin de chavignol” molds. The family owns 20 vineyard plots in total (almost exclusively on very steep slopes), and all soils are either flint or of of two types of calcareous clay known locally as “caillottes” and “terres blanches.” In terms of size we are talking 9.5 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and 1.5 hectares of Pinot Noir.