2022 Pierre Riffault ‘7 Hommes’ Sancerre (half-bottle)
Sancerre is the “spiritual home” of Sauvignon Blanc. It’s considered to be the purest expression of Sauvignon Blanc on the planet and a wine we love for its versatility when it comes to food. It pairs well with light green salads and Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese of course, but Sancerre comes to life alongside vibrant fish dishes like seafood thai curry.
This wine comes from 25+ year old vines that are sustainably farmed in clay-limestone and chalk soils. It’s vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness.
- Tasting Notes grapefruit zest, green apple, lemon, white peach, white pepper, hawthorne, fresh green herbs, crushed chalk, smoke
- Variety 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Region France, Loire Valley
- Volume 375ml
- Alcohol Volume 13%
- Table Talk “Les 7 Hommes” is a local expression in Sancerre which translates to “The Seven Men” and represents the size of a parcel of land that required 7 men a day to plow it.
$26.00
In stock
The Riffault family have been winegrowers for several generations and their vineyards still bear the traces of their grandparents. In 2005 Bertrand joined Pierre to work on the family estate. In 2007 Pierre stepped down and Bertrand took over the estate, but Pierre is still often seen at the winery or in the vineyards. Their vineyards in the Sancerre region are located in the heart of France, 200 km south of Paris, on the left bank of the Loire river. Here, the landscape, the people, and the quality and diversity of the wines are all exceptional.
“We, Grape Expectations, as the importer, hold a special affection for this small property in Chaudoux – Each year we take every last drop of wine available, which is usually about one container. 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 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.”
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sauvignon Blanc, a very recognizable white wine that is popularly dry, refreshingly zesty, and has strong, fruity and herbal characteristics. Ever hear of the term “pyrazines?” It’s a term noting the strong herbaceous flavors that are derived from compounds called Methoxypyrazines. These compounds are also found in bell peppers! A flagship varietal to the Loire Valley in France (Sancerre) and New Zealand, the Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand tend to be more aromatic and have tropical fruit notes than those from the Bordeaux or Loire Valley regions in France. Usually fermented in stainless steel vats, Sauvignon Blanc gives a clean, crisp flavor with occasional mineral notes, but no characteristics from oak, like you would normally see in a grape varietal like Chardonnay. However, look out for Fumé Blanc, this style of wine is an oaked-version of Sauvignon Blanc.
THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
The Loire is actually the largest river in France and the Loire Valley is a large region that follows as it flows towards the Atlantic. Another cooler climate region in France, the Loire Valley produces many exciting and exceptional red, rosé, and white wines in a variety of styles. Lean and lively white varieties like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne or Melon Blanc) dominate in many sub-regions here including Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the Upper Loire (Centre). Rustic reds like Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Côt (Malbec) are also grown in smaller areas. Some of the most infamous for Cabernet Franc are that of Bourgueil and Chinon located in the Touraine (Middle Loire). The Loire Valley is also known to produce quality sparkling wines from grape varieties including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc (for rosé). You’ll often find these wines to be tart with fresh fruit flavors and labelled as Crémant de Loire.
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