Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon Sancerre
Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon Sancerre is a precise and elegant Sauvignon Blanc that balances vibrant citrus and exotic fruit flavours with a structured, flinty minerality and a persistent, stony finish
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£11.00
Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon Sancerre
The Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon Sancerre Blanc is a quintessential expression of Sauvignon Blanc from the heart of the Loire Valley, specifically the hamlet of Amigny. Drawing from a blend of the region’s diverse soils—the limestone “Caillottes” and the clay-rich “Terres Blanches”—the wine strikes a sophisticated balance between vibrant fruit and structural depth.
The Aromatics
The nose is immediately inviting and layered. It leads with a delicate bouquet of white flowers and orange blossoms, supported by the classic Sancerre “green” profile of blackcurrant leaf and elderflower. As the wine opens up, there is a subtle drift toward more indulgent notes; some vintages reveal hints of stone fruit (like peach or apricot) and a faint, savory whisper of oyster shell or wet flint, signaling its mineral pedigree.
The Palate
On the tongue, the wine is defined by its precision and “focus.” It offers a crisp, zesty attack of citrus fruits—think lemon zest and grapefruit—intertwined with a touch of exotic fruit that provides a rounded, ripe mouthfeel. Because the estate utilizes south-facing slopes and clay soils, the wine possesses more substance and volume than a typical light-bodied white. This “weightiness” is complemented by a peppery texture and a persistent, stony minerality that makes the wine feel “alive” and energetic.
The Finish
The experience concludes with a clean, lengthening finish. The citrus brightness lingers, but it is the mineral tension—that sensation of “drinking from a waterfall” or chewing on cool rocks—that provides the final, elegant signature. It is a benchmark Sancerre: classy, well-balanced, and undeniably refreshing
The production of Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon Sancerre Blanc is a study in meticulous vineyard management and non-interventionist winemaking, designed to let the unique terroir of Amigny speak for itself.
The Vineyard and Harvest
Everything begins with the soil. The estate works across approximately 12 hectares, focusing on vines planted in a mix of caillottes (stony limestone) and terres blanches (kimmeridgian marl). The family practices sustainable viticulture, eschewing harsh chemicals to maintain the health of the ecosystem. During the harvest, grapes are selected based on optimal ripeness to ensure that the signature Sauvignon Blanc acidity is balanced by a natural sugar density, providing that “rounded” mouthfeel the estate is known for.
Vinification and Fermentation
Once the grapes reach the cellar, they undergo a gentle pneumatic pressing to extract the purest juice without introducing harsh tannins from the skins or seeds. The fermentation process is strictly temperature-controlled and takes place in stainless steel tanks. By keeping the temperatures low, the winemakers preserve the volatile aromatic compounds responsible for those delicate notes of white flowers and citrus. Unlike many “New World” styles, this Sancerre avoids malolactic fermentation, ensuring the wine retains its characteristic “zip” and crystalline purity.
Aging and Maturation
The aging process is focused on texture rather than flavor manipulation. The wine is aged on its fine lees for several months in stainless steel vats. This contact with the spent yeast cells (lees) is crucial; it adds a layer of creamy complexity and weight to the mid-palate, softening the sharp edges of the acidity. No oak is used in the aging of the classic Sancerre Blanc, as the goal is to highlight the flinty minerality and “crunchy” fruit. After a light filtration to ensure clarity, the wine is bottled, typically resting for a short period before being released to capture its youthful energy.
Sauvignon Blanc
Zesty, fragrant sauvignon blanc is probably the most popular white wine variety in the world right now. But while tropical-fruit tinged New Zealand sauvignon style graces every wine list in the country, it’s worth discovering that there’s much more to this aromatic grape variety than Marlborough.
In its homeland of the Loire Valley, France, sauvignon blanc showcases its aromatic character and refreshing acidity at its best in the form of pure, zesty wines.
The other key region in France for top-quality sauvignon blanc is Bordeaux. It is here that the variety finds itself in bed with its most frequent blending partner, semillon, creating arguably the world’s finest sweet wines in the form of Sauternes and Barsac, along with good quantities of dry, fresh, white wines.
- Contains Sulphites
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
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Sauvignon Blanc Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Country
French wine, steeped in history and tradition, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Bordeaux’s iconic red blends—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—create wines with structured tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar. Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield velvety reds and crisp whites. Champagne sparkles with toasty brioche and citrus. The Rhône Valley boasts bold Syrah, while Alsace’s Riesling and Gewürztraminer express floral aromas. From Provence’s pale rosés to Corsica’s sun-kissed Vermentino, each bottle tells a story. Santé!
France Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
The Loire Valley, situated along the river Loire in north-central France, is a diverse and historic wine region. It includes several French wine regions, spanning from the Muscadet region near the city of Nantes on the Atlantic coast to the areas of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé just southeast of the city of Orléans
The Loire Valley produces a wide range of wines, including white, red, rosé, and sparkling varieties. Notable grape varieties include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne
