Domaine Riffault

Domaine Riffault

Domaine Claude Riffault is a 13.5-hectare estate based in the village of Sury-en-Vaux, around 5 kilometres from Sancerre. One of the most exciting domaines in the Sancerre appellation, it is run by Stéphane and Bénédicte Riffault. All of the vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic.

Stéphane studied in Burgundy, and his brother, Benoît, married into the Sauzet family in Puligny-Montrachet and now makes the wines there. Therefore, It is no surprise that the approach here mirrors that in Burgundy, focusing on identifying and highlighting individual terroirs.

The grapes are hand-harvested and rigorously sorted before crushing and a light settling to retain a significant proportion of lees. This and extensive lees ageing allow Stéphane to produce the textural wines he enjoys. The whites' vinification and ageing occur in concrete tanks and large-format oak – demi-muids and foudres.

The red wines are also among the very best the region has to offer. They are typically made with a significant proportion of whole bunches, bringing a spicy, floral character and mid-palate richness to the wines. Importantly, yields are kept low to obtain a good level of ripeness.

In all colours, this is an excellent address for precise, delineated, and concentrated wines that go against the convention of easy-drinking Sancerre.

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Available for delivery or collection. Pricing includes duty and VAT.
Available in bond
2018 Sancerre, Monoparcelle 469, Claude Riffault, Loire
White
2018
Drink, at peak
Medium Bodied
Dry
13.0% Alcohol
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Available in bond
2022 Sancerre, Les Boucauds, Claude Riffault, Loire
White
2022
Drink, youthful
Medium Bodied
Dry
13.0% Alcohol
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