Still etched in our memory is the initial shock of the rich, amber colour and the distinctive aromas and textures of Sebastien Riffault's wines. That afternoon in the hamlet of Sury-en-Vaux his natural wines challenged our opinions and palates to a great extent. Like all of Sebastien's wines, Akmenine Blanc is a perfectly natural, archaic take on...
Patience at all levels for Sebastien Riffault who picks grapes three to four weeks later than the other producers in the area and once the botrytis has started to infect his grapes. About 50% of the grapes are under the influence of the fungus compensating Riffault with richness, volume maturity and taste concentration. All this comes about three years...
A Xinomavro texture, giving the sensation of velvet in the mouth but at the same time its energy and freshness give you goose bumps. Its complexity is a layered result of an excellent year, each sip makes you notice something new. Like a great book, each new reading gives you another perspective that you didn't perceive in your previous encounter with it....
Nerello Mascalese gives excellent rosés and Etna Rosato from younger vines in different parts of the zone, is a rosé that is imprinted in memory. A real firework of intensity and minerality, it is nothing like the candied fruit and sweetness that comes to mind when it comes to rosé wines. Serious, with pulsating energy and tensions, salty minerality and...
It will not remind anyone of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The green notes are in the background, while the intense lemony aromas and fruit like green apple and grapefruit come out in front, giving it freshness combined with a very mineral chalky character. With its acidity levels you feel it is dry to the bone, very refreshing and relatively light and...
Classic, a little rustic, the best you can expect from Italy in this quality/price ratio. And if Chianti brings to mind trattorias and red tablecloths, therein lies its charm. It's direct, familiar, enjoyable and utterly comforting. All this delivered through a quality lens that in recent years has revolutionised the region and restored its name in wine...
Lightness and freshness of character, like biting the crispiest cherry that ever was. Right along aromas of lavender with the freshness of fennel and freshly ground green pepper. It goes for pleasure and finesse rather than complexity and muscle. But this is there adding of this specific terroir on the variety. And the Baudrys as obedient servants try to...
