Domaine Claude Riffault - Sancerre La Noue Rouge 2023

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• Origin: Sancerre, Loire, France
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Alcohol Percentage: approx. 13.0%
• Style: Elegant, fresh, refined red fruit and mineral
• Cellaring Potential: Now until 2033+
• Rating: 92/100 Wine Advocate – 93/100 Vinous

Sancerre “La Noue” Rouge 2023 by Claude Riffault is a refined and terroir-driven Pinot Noir with a distinctly fresh and elegant signature. The nose reveals aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, complemented by rose petals, fine herbs, and a subtle earthy note. On the palate, the wine is light-footed but precise, with juicy red fruit, vibrant acidity, and very fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and pure, with a fresh, chalky tension that beautifully reflects the cool Sancerre terroir.

Vinification.
The grapes are hand-harvested from organically farmed plots with limestone and silex soils. After careful selection, a gentle vinification follows, partly with whole bunches to enhance freshness and aromatic complexity. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, with minimal extraction to preserve finesse. The wine then matures for approximately 10 to 12 months in used oak barrels and larger wooden vats, followed by a short bottle aging before release.

The Estate.
Claude Riffault is among the most respected producers of Sancerre and is known for his precise, elegant style, for both white and red wines. The estate operates entirely organically, with strong attention to biodiversity, soil health, and manual work in the vineyard. In the cellar, minimal intervention is sought, allowing each plot to express its own character. “La Noue” Rouge is a convincing example of how Pinot Noir in Sancerre can excel through finesse, freshness, and a clear terroir expression.