France is one of the largest wine producers in the world, and arguably, one of the most significant, with a wine-making history that dates back to the Roman times. Taste through the different wine regions of France, from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, to Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Rhône, Provence and beyond. Each region is known for different grape varieties, a unique growing environment, and their special wine production philosophy.
283 products
283 products
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Peter Sichel
Tucked away in a hidden valley in a remote corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon lies a truly special place: the village of Cucugnan. Historically, there was much wine produced here, given its isolated location, but gradually the local people moved away to the towns. There are now just 130 people living in the village. As the vineyards were left mostly abandoned, the local flora and fauna were permitted to thrive. Cucugnan became a unique area, full of biodiversity, which shines through in the rare plants and flowers that grow there today.
Peter Sichel (of the Bordeaux négociant family) first discovered this valley on a road trip with a friend in the 1960s. He was so spellbound by the place that he bought a house there and, in 1988, planted a vineyard. The project grew, albeit slowly, but the arrival of Peter’s thoughtful and environmentally inspired grandson, Alexander Sichel, has turned the Domaine Peter Sichel project completely around.
Since 2019, Alexander has converted the estate to organics and biodynamics, achieving organic certification in 2022. Furthermore, he is committed to supporting polyculture in and around the vineyards, even enlisting the help of a PhD programme from a Dutch university to identify the incredible array of plant life in the vineyard.
Alexander’s grandfather planted the vines between 30-40 years old. Parcels of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Roussanne lie mostly on the best slopes of the valley. Starting from 350-500 metres’ altitude, these slopes have very little topsoil; the roots go almost straight into the bedrock. The viticultural team here has done much work to focus on the unique characteristics of each parcel to express the terroir of this stunning valley in the most authentic way.
- White Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Claude Riffault
Stéphane Riffault, son of Claude Riffault, has become one of the most sought-after producers in the region. He took over the management of the domaine at a young age and his top Sancerre wines quickly became the envy of some of the region's most established vintners.
Stéphane's Sancerre bottlings come from 33 different parcels in 8 different lieu-dits spread across 4 villages on limestone soils. Having studied and worked in Burgundy, and then trained with some of best – Olivier Leflaive (Burgundy), Château Angélus (Bordeaux), and his very own father, Claude Riffault – it’s easy to see the Burgundian influence and the master of minerality in Stéphane’s wines.
When his father retired, Stéphane took over the winery and embarked upon a journey of viticultural transformation. Today, all 13.5 hectares are certified organic (ECOCERT, 2016) and biodynamic (BIODYVIN, 2021). The entire harvest is carried out by hand and an extensive sorting takes place before the grapes are crushed –– a testament to his craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Press Reviews
Wine Advocate
92 Points - Yohan Castaing
Vintage 2022: Matured in barrel for 10 months, the 2022 Sancerre Les Boucauds reveals a delicate, pure bouquet of pear, peach, spring flowers, spices and menthol, followed by a moderately weighted, textured and layered palate with bright acids, a lively, fleshy core of fruit and a long, ethereal, mineral-laced finish enhanced by a saline aftertaste. This is a gorgeous rendition of the eponymous parcel composed of clay, limestone and marls.