Domaine Ricard
| Vigneron | Vincent Ricard |
| Location | Thésée (Loire-et-Cher) |
| Size of Domaine | 15 ha |
| Terroir | Continental climate. Clay-limestone soil. 100m altitude. |
| Viticulture | Certified organic (Ecocert) |
| View Domaine Ricard wines ↓ |
Vincent Ricard’s father founded the co-operative of Oisly-Thesée in 1958, and Vincent was a member there before deciding to set up on his own in 1999, having worked with Philippe Alliet in Chinon where he learned all about organic practices, and Claude Levasseur (Francois Chidaine’s uncle) in Montlouis.
He has 15ha of well-placed south-facing vineyards on upper terraces of the Cher river (45 minutes from Tours) where the soil comprises of a mix of limestone and clay. Vincent works with low yields, hand harvests, uses indigenous yeasts for the fermentation and ages around 20% of his wine in older barrels for a little extra texture.
Vincent produces an excellent example of Touraine Sauvignon that would give many Sancerre more than a run for their money.
Domaine Ricard Wines
TOURAINE 2023
Le Petiot
100% Sauvignon
100% Sauvignon (12.5% alc.)
Really good sauvignon here thanks to organic viticulture, very low yields (45hh compared to most Sancerre at 60hh), good flint-rich terroir and fine touch from Vincent Ricard. The wine has lovely texture, citrus and mineral notes with a nice herbal touch of mint and lemon verbena.