2023 Domaine Ricard Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 'Le Petiot'

100% Sauvignon Blanc farmed organically on flint-laden, calcareous soil just west of Sancerre. Hand harvested from 30-year old vines with a low yield of about 50 hl/ha. A selection is made of the best juice, which is then fermented at a low temperature for 3 weeks and aged on its fine lees in stainless-steel tanks. About 20% is aged in well-seasoned barrels that have already seen 3 wines.

The wine is crisp and aromatic Sauvignon, and is a superb choice for a “cocktail” wine, as an aperitif or to accompany just about anything from sea. Zesty lemon, juicy grapefruit, and the subtlest hint of tropical fruits, with very little grassiness, perfectly balanced acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Super clean an an excellent value!

Domaine Ricard lies on the north side of the Cher River, about a 45-minute drive from Tours. Chenonceaux, the famous castle that juts into the river, is about twenty kilometers to the west. We have left the Chenin Blanc territory of Vouvray and Montlouis near Tours and passed into firm Sauvignon Blanc terrain. Grapes have been grown on the property for 5 generations, and the Ricard family were founding members of the local Oisy-Thésée wine co-operative.  The vineyards lie on southern facing slopes, with nearly 15 hectares planted in Sauvignon Blanc, along with a bit of Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Cot (Malbec). Vincent lets grass grow between his rows of vines instead of removing it with herbicide. No pesticides are used to combat insects. Vines are replaced using the shoots of neighboring vines. Pruning and occasional de-budding helps to limit yields.