Description
Stephane Riffault is the 4th generation to run this famous estate, located in the village of Sury-en-Vaux, northeast of Sancerre. The estate encompasses 13.5 hectares, meticulously divided into 33 parcels across eight different lieux-dits. Committed to sustainable viticulture, the domaine has been certified organic by ECOCERT and biodynamic by Biodyvin since 2017.
Stephane trained in Beaune and worked at Domaine Olivier Leflaive before returning home. Drawing on his Burgundian influences, along with advice from his brother Benoit winemaker at Domaine Etienne Sauzet in Puligny-Montrachet, Stephane has added large oak cuves to the collection of stainless-steel vats at the Domaine and increased the time the wine spends on its lees. The results have been stunning.
All grapes are hand-harvested, and vinification is carried out with minimal intervention to express the unique terroir of each parcel. The 2023 La Noue Rosé is crafted from 10-60 year old Pinot Noir grapes sourced from a 2.5-hectare plot characterised by clay-limestone and marl soils. The wine is produced using a combination of saignée and direct press methods, resulting in a delicate coral hue. On the nose, it offers subtle aromas of rose petals, mango and melon, complemented by hints of red berries and herbs. The palate is fresh and lively, with flavours of watermelon and salty pink grapefruit, leading to a crisp, mineral-driven finish.
