Domaine Etienne et Sébastien Riffault

Les Quarterons Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc

9.0341 ratings
9.044 pro ratings
Sancerre, Central Vineyards, Loire Valley, France
Sauvignon Blanc
Cheddar & Gruyere, Tomato-Based, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Goat & Feta Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, White Fish, Salads & Greens, Meaty & Oily Fish, Fruit Desserts, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Tasted double-blind. The 2018 Domaine Sebastien Riffault “Les Quarterons” is a very unusual Sancerre. On the nose, this has more in common with a grappa than any wine I’ve ever had. Black licorice, dusty basement and a green/vegetal thing that I typically associate with white lightning (hence the grappa call). High acid that gives the sensation of a tongue prick. Different to be sure. Probably not something to choose if you’re looking for a more prototypical Sancerre.

Tasted double-blind. The 2018 Domaine Sebastien Riffault “Les Quarterons” is a very unusual Sancerre. On the nose, this has more in common with a grappa than any wine I’ve ever had. Black licorice, dusty basement and a green/vegetal thing that I typically associate with white lightning (hence the grappa call). High acid that gives the sensation of a tongue prick. Different to be sure. Probably not something to choose if you’re looking for a more prototypical Sancerre.

Jan 4th, 2021
Daniel McGeough

Skin contact Sancerre!!

Skin contact Sancerre!!

Feb 27th, 2019
Scott Wren

Unusual. Doesn’t taste like ASAP Blanc. Fruit very ripe and then wine has oxidized flavor. Acquired taste

Unusual. Doesn’t taste like ASAP Blanc. Fruit very ripe and then wine has oxidized flavor. Acquired taste

Mar 1st, 2018
John McCarroll

Sales Rowan Imports

8.9

Sancerre 10 tho

Sancerre 10 tho

Feb 9th, 2018
Anthony Lynch

Very sincere but inSancerre. Maybe that's why I like it so much...with all due respect.

Very sincere but inSancerre. Maybe that's why I like it so much...with all due respect.

2 people found it helpfulSep 12th, 2014
Rob Moose

More typicity but still a crazy beast. Peppers, hints of Chablis nose, beautiful smokiness

More typicity but still a crazy beast. Peppers, hints of Chablis nose, beautiful smokiness

2 people found it helpfulAug 4th, 2014
Josh Spurling

Wow! Not “typical” Sancerre at all! Rich, intense, wild are terms that come to mind, but it doesn’t cross over into the weird category all the way. Yes, there is an orange wine lean here, but there’s still that flinty and floral quality I expect. Add a touch of yeastiness, fresh herb, bruised apple/apple skin, and a mushroomy like “umami-ness,” and you have a very interesting and delicious wine. Think Sancerre meets orange wine meets cider.

Wow! Not “typical” Sancerre at all! Rich, intense, wild are terms that come to mind, but it doesn’t cross over into the weird category all the way. Yes, there is an orange wine lean here, but there’s still that flinty and floral quality I expect. Add a touch of yeastiness, fresh herb, bruised apple/apple skin, and a mushroomy like “umami-ness,” and you have a very interesting and delicious wine. Think Sancerre meets orange wine meets cider.

1 person found it helpfulDec 8th, 2017
Steve Matthiasson

Owner/Winemaker Matthiasson Wines

9.5

Very difficult wine for a winemaker to understand, normally Sauvignon blanc is made very carefully and precisely, yet this wine is loose, free, unscripted. A lot of courage went into this wine.

Very difficult wine for a winemaker to understand, normally Sauvignon blanc is made very carefully and precisely, yet this wine is loose, free, unscripted. A lot of courage went into this wine.

1 person found it helpfulSep 22nd, 2015
Emiliano Mei

I adore it. Rich, opulent, crispy #sauvignonblanc #sancerre with a strong taste of litchi! Maybe not conventional, but adorable! Let you beg for more.

I adore it. Rich, opulent, crispy #sauvignonblanc #sancerre with a strong taste of litchi! Maybe not conventional, but adorable! Let you beg for more.

1 person found it helpfulMay 28th, 2015
Benjamin Parniuk

Late harvest Sancerre. 1 month past normal picking. Fruit is all over. Soft and creamy from Malo.

Late harvest Sancerre. 1 month past normal picking. Fruit is all over. Soft and creamy from Malo.

1 person found it helpfulApr 27th, 2015