At a glance

Producer

Sébastien Riffault

Region

Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Chenin Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$65

Tasting profile

Crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, wet stone, bright citrus zest notes with a mineral-driven finish.

Evolution: Over 5-10 years, will gain richer honeyed and nutty complexity, with deeper mineral and flinty notes.

At peak: Balanced richness, intensified minerality, fine texture, and complex layered aromatics.

Structure

Acidity

High

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

13%

Aging potential

High – 10+ years, due to acidity and mineral complexity

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2045

Optimal window

2023 to 2048

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

Bright acidity with evolving complexity; drinking well now with several years of further improvement potential

Thanks to the wine's high acidity, natural balance, and premium terroir expression from Saumur or surrounding Chenin vineyards, it gains complexity and length with bottle age, making a decade-plus drinking window realistic.

Food pairing

Excellent with shellfish, oysters, goat cheese, white fish in lemon butter sauce, and delicate poultry dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Sébastien Riffault employs organic and biodynamic farming practices, minimizes use of chemical treatments, uses natural yeasts for fermentation, practices cover cropping and composting to improve soil health, utilizes solar energy at winery, and recycles water.

The producer's dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture, combined with sustainable cellar practices and local focus helps maintain environmental balance and reduces overall carbon emissions. Packaging uses lightweight glass and recycled materials. This exemplary approach warrants a high sustainability score.