In our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall, our Enomatic machines are back up and running. Assistant Shop Manager George Turner turns his focus on one of the wines currently “on the pour” – a 2019 Sancerre made by Claude Riffault.

2019 Sancerre, Monoparcelle 469, Claude Riffault, Loire

What is it?

The 2019 Sancerre Monoparcelle 469 reveals its terroir with aromas of iodine and crushed limestones, interwoven with lemon citrus fruit. The palate is full-bodied and textured, but also gives elegance and extended persistence of saline flavours amongst integrated oak influence. The 2019 was vinified for 18 months in larger oak vats.

What’s the story behind it?

Stéphane Riffault – son of Claude Riffault – is now at the helm of this leading Sancerre estate.  Stéphane studied and worked in Burgundy; his wines reveal an approach focused on preserving minerality and purity, alongside the judicious use of oak. The estate is based around the village of Sury-en-Vaux, with Stéphane working 33 different parcels in eight different lieu-dits (vineyard sites) spread across four villages. In total, the sites span 13.5 hectares, with all the vineyards biodynamically certified.  Most of the domaine’s holdings are planted on soft limestone soil called terres blanches, with some parcels on caillottes and silex soils. The monoparcel 469 is from a single, southeast-facing parcel in the Les Sentiers lieu-dit from 52-year-old-vines root in very shallow Kimmeridgian chalky marls, that contain rich layers of seashells soils.

What should I drink it with?

Sancerre is a great match for fish and seafood, and it would also pair beautifully with goat’s cheese, gruyère or Beaufort cheese from the Alps.

Visit us in our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall to taste this 2019 Sancerre from Claude Riffault.