Sancerre Mosaique Calcaire AOC 2023

Tasting note

Wine information

This is the estate's entry-level Sancerre, which since the 2022 vintage has been Calcaire Mosaïque is called. It comes mainly from the limestone-dominated sites such as Les Boucauds, Les Chasseignes and Les Denisottes with Terres Blanches and Caillottes. The wine was fermented spontaneously in stainless steel and then aged partly in stainless steel and partly in used larger wood for seven months.

Colour

light lemon yellow

Nose

The Sancerre named Mosaïque Calcaire is an aromatic, light-coloured and pleasantly citrusy wine. This year it is more powerful and less yellow-fruity than last year. Instead, it is reminiscent of cedrat lemons and a little lime zest, grapefruit and pineapple rind, white flowers and a little damp lichen on wet rock.

Palate

On the palate, the Sancerre a lot of fun. I also like Riffault's more opulent vintages, but this one is also racy, powerful, citric and stony on the palate. There are hardly any expressive Sauvignon notes here, neither grassy nor exotic. It is a rock wine with a tight structure, lively acidity, freshness and finesse.

Food pairing suggestions

• Carpaccio of yellow and green courgettes with young olive oil and fresh peas (Vegetable & Vegetarian)
• Grilled fennel and carrots with goat's milk yoghurt labneh and mint (Vegetable & Vegetarian)
• Fettuccine with smoked sardines, lemon, capers and pepper (fish)

Tasting notes and food recommendations from Christoph Raffelt