In the glass
Aroma: smoke, white flower, lemon zest, wet flint
Palate: grapefruit, saline mineral, stone fruit, chalky finish
Old-vine Sauvignon Blanc from flint-rich soils. The flint signature gives a smoky lift uncommon in Sancerre, balanced by Riffault's lees-driven texture.
What it pairs with
-
Smoked salmon blinis
Smoky flint signature locks onto smoked fish; saline lift handles cream cheese. -
Pithiviers de chevre
Goat-cheese pastry and the wine's lactic-mineral interplay; chalky finish handles the puff pastry. -
Sushi and sashimi
Tense acidity and saline mineral edge handle delicate raw fish; smoky flint lifts soy. -
Mussels marinière
Saline mineral edge and shellfish broth lock together; flint smoke handles cream-shallot sauce.
History
Les Denisottes is sourced from old Sauvignon Blanc vines grown biodynamically on flint-rich soils. The cuvée expresses Sancerre's smoky face, a contrast to Riffault's chalky Boucauds and Chasseignes.
- 2005 — First vintage of Les Denisottes bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Claude Riffault
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Sancerre AOC
- Oak
- Vinified in stainless steel and old oak; aged on fine lees around 9 months
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 35 to 55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2005
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 93 (2021 vintage, reviewed 2023)
Frequently asked about Sancerre Les Denisottes
What does Riffault Les Denisottes taste like?
Smoke, white flower, lemon zest and wet flint on the nose; grapefruit, saline mineral, stone fruit and chalky finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, smoky-mineral finish.
When should I drink Les Denisottes?
Drink between 2 and 12 years from vintage. The flint signature builds with bottle age; mature bottles develop intense smoky and lemon-confit complexity.
Where is Les Denisottes grown?
On flint-rich soils in Sury-en-Vaux, planted with old vines and farmed biodynamically.
Is Riffault Les Denisottes vegan?
Yes. The estate is biodynamic and uses no animal-derived fining agents.