Domaine Claude Riffault

Sury-en-Vaux

Now in its 4th generation, Domaine Claude Riffault is led by the Stéphane Riffault & wife Benedicte, based in Sur-en-Vaux, just north of Sancerre. Studying in Burgundy and closely with Olivier Leflaive (his brother is at Etienne Sauzet), the focus is definitely on the single parcels where the plantings are primarily on limestone terroir called Terres Blanches with some on Caillottes and Silex. Terroir is at the heart and soul of Stéphane who oversees 15.3ha (13ha planted with Sauvignon Blanc, 2.3ha with Pinot Noir), spread over 33 different parcels in 4 different villages. Since 2017, vineyards have been certified organic and biodynamic, synthetic products banned, soils ploughed, and the entire harvest and sorting is done by hand. All parcels are vinified and aged separately with indigenous yeast in an arsenal of vessels: steel tanks, oak barrels, larger foudres, and concrete. There is a mastery of minerality in the wines from Domaine Claude Riffault with immense focus and work in the vineyards and cellar resulting wines are always crisp and high-cut with jewelled precision.