Domaine Pierre Riffault Sancerre Rouge
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Riffault family has been winegrowers for multiple generations.
- The vineyard is located on steep slopes offering good exposure.
- The grapes are manually sorted prior to placing them into the press.
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: The vineyard soils for the Sancerre Rouge are white clay and flint. Vinification is primarily done in stainless steel vats – 2/3 in vats and 1/3 in barrels. It is aged for 6 months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes: At first glance, we discover the scent of camphor fruits. the aeration confirms a slight minty freshness, with a soft touch of vanilla prunes. The supple palate, with a nice length, offers a finely gripping finish ending on a nice power.
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.