[A166] SEBASTIEN RIFFAULT SANCERRE SAULETAS 2015 750ml

Sauletas means 'sunlight' in Lithuanian, the homeland of Sébastien’s wife. This cuvée is crafted from Sauvignon Blanc grown on sun-drenched, steep south-to-southeast-facing slopes (with a 35% incline) featuring Kimmeridgian soils. To preserve the microbial ecosystem and prevent soil compaction, the vineyards are plowed by horse rather than tractors.

Famous in regions like Chablis and Champagne, Kimmeridgian is a chalky clay-limestone soil embedded with ancient fossilized oyster shells, imparting a striking minerality and firm structure to the wine.

Spanning just one hectare, the vines are over 50 years old. Like his other cuvées, the Sauvignon Blanc is harvested with a ratio of 50% fully ripe grapes and 50% botrytized fruit. Yields are restricted to 20 hl/ha—less than a third of the standard Sancerre regulation (approx. 60–65 hl/ha).

Fermentation and aging are carried out slowly with native yeasts over at least three years on the lees (sur lie)—consisting of 24 months in stainless steel tanks followed by 12 months in old oak barrels (or up to 36 months in old oak depending on the vintage). Naturally, the wine is bottled with zero added SO2 and without filtration.

Ultimately, the noble rot infuses the wine with a uniquely dense texture and honeyed aromas, which combine with the Kimmeridgian minerality to create a truly singular wine.

Unlike any Sancerre you have tasted before, but by far the best. A meditative, opulent wine also has an underlying mineral nerve that roots it firmly in the chalky hills of Sancerre". (from NATURAL WINE / Isabelle Legeron MW)

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