Sancerre blanc „Monoparcelle 469“ AOC 2022

Wine description for the Sancerre blanc "Monoparcelle 469" AOC 2022 from Claude Riffault

In the gently rolling hills of the eastern Loire, where the morning mists slowly drift over the limestone slopes, Stéphane Riffault and his wife Bénédictine cultivate one of the most precise expressions of Sauvignon Blanc that France has to offer. Their winery in Sury-en-Vaux, this unassuming commune just a few kilometres from historic Sancerre, embodies the quiet revolution that has swept the Loire in recent years: an uncompromising focus on individual parcels and their geological identity.

The "Monoparcelle 469" represents the quintessence of this approach - a wine that does not simply want to be understood as a Sancerre, but as a Precise snapshot of a specific limestone spot of the Loire. The 2022 vintage captures the tension of a climatically challenging year in which the heat of the summer was balanced by the cool nights - a vintage that combines concentration with remarkable freshness.

Nose

The first encounter with this wine reveals a Fascinating aromatic complexity. The typical Sauvignon notes of gooseberry and freshly cut grass meet here, but are immediately underpinned by a mineral depth reminiscent of wet limestone after a summer rain. With a little air contact, subtle nuances of white peach, lemon verbena and a hint of fennel seed unfold - flavours that were not forced by technical vinification, but made possible by patient biodynamic work in the vineyard.

Palate

The palate reveals the true mastery of the Riffaults. The wine has a Impressive structural precision - like a perfectly cut diamond whose facets reflect the light at different angles. The 14 per cent alcohol by volume is completely woven into the texture of the wine and gives it substance without heaviness. The acidity is razor-sharp, but never aggressive, rather it forms the vibrant backbone on which flavours of citrus fruits, white flowers and a subtle spiciness can unfold.

The aftertaste is of remarkable length and purity, characterised by a salty mineralitywhich unmistakably reflects the limestone soils of parcel 469. This shows why the Loire, and Sancerre in particular, is one of the few regions where Sauvignon Blanc can rise to true greatness.

General information

Since the transition to biodynamic cultivation (BIODYVIN-certified since 2021), the signature of the winery has become even more refined. The 15.5 hectares are spread across the three classic terroirs of Sancerre - Terres blanches, Caillottes and Silex - with each soil formation bringing its own distinctive character to the wines. The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed and fermented with natural yeasts. Maturation takes place in stainless steel or in large, neutral oak barrels, depending on the wine, in order to preserve the purity of the terroir expression.

The 2022 vintage will be remembered in the history of the Loire as one of those vintages in which the increasing climatic challenge was translated into finesse and balance through masterful vineyard management. The moderate residual sweetness (barely perceptible) only emphasises the dryness and precision of this exceptional wine.

Food pairing suggestions

A wine of this complexity requires dishes that respect its nuances without overshadowing them. Classic combinations such as a goat's cheese from the region (especially a young Crottin de Chavignol) or a simple preparation of sea fish with citrus flavours and fresh herbs are ideal.

If you are more adventurous, you could combine the salty minerality of the wine with Japanese dishes such as sashimi or a light dashi soup with seafood. A variation of white asparagus with brown butter and lemon zest would also emphasise the textural elegance of this exceptional Sancerre. Serve the wine not too cold (around 10-12°C) to experience its full aromatic complexity.