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
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
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
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
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
Sancerre, Central Vineyards, Loire Valley, France
