Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2021: best 2023 to 2033.
vintage2 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2023202193/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

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.

  1. 2005: First vintage of Les Denisottes bottled

Facts

Producer
Domaine Claude Riffault · visiting guide
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)

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.

Tags

biodynamic dry high acid medium body medium term mood elegant mood savoury occasion aperitivo occasion dinner party occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with oily fish pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with sushi price premium sauvignon blanc single vineyard still white vegan

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