Wines Sancerre Claude Riffault - Les Boucauds - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The 2022 Claude Riffault “Les Boucauds” is a classic Sancerre, crafted exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. This cuvée, hailing from the iconic Les Boucauds parcel, benefits from meticulous vinification—often involving a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels to strike a perfect balance between vivacity, minerality, and subtle complexity. The 2022 vintage in Sancerre was distinguished by favourable weather, promoting excellent ripeness while retaining the mouth-watering freshness that defines the region. Expect a wine with a luminous pale colour, brimming with aromas of gooseberry, citrus zest, white flowers, and a distinctive flinty undertone so characteristic of Sancerre. On the palate, the impression is one of vibrant acidity, crystalline purity, and an elegant finish.

Sancerre, nestled in the easternmost part of the Loire Valley, is renowned for its ancient Kimmeridgian and Silex (flinty) soils. These unique terroirs impart a singular minerality and tension to the wines, distinguishing them from other Sauvignon Blancs around the world. The region enjoys a cool, semi-continental climate, ensuring slow, steady grape maturation and a pronounced aromatic character. With a winemaking heritage dating back to Roman times, Sancerre has long been revered for its expressive and terroir-driven white wines.

The energetic style of this Sancerre makes it a delightful companion to a range of dishes. It excels alongside shellfish, especially oysters and langoustines, but also pairs beautifully with grilled white fish and fresh goat’s cheese—a classic regional match, especially Crottin de Chavignol. For a local touch, serve with rillettes de poisson or warm asparagus with a lemon vinaigrette. Its crispness also complements Japanese cuisine such as sashimi.

For the best tasting experience, serve the wine chilled but not ice-cold, ideally between 8-10°C. Decanting is optional but can help open up the aromas if the wine is very young. Enjoy in a tulip-shaped glass to accentuate its complexity.