Located in Sury-en-Vaux, to the north of the Sancerre appellation, domain Claude Riffault spans 15.3 hectares, covering 10 lieux-dits. The vineyard is placed with a majority of Sauvignon Blanc (10.5 hectares), completed by 3 hectares of Pinot Noir. Stéphane Riffault obtained organic certification in 2016. Yields are limited by debudding and cordoning. Vinifications are traditional and élevage is precise. The domain has greatly improved these past years, and their cuvées are becoming more and more sought after.

First produced in 2020, Les Echalas is a small parcel downgraded to Vin de France by the French National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO). The upper part of the parcel originally received the Sancerre classification in the 1980s, but when the domain later sought to obtain the appellation for the rest of this small vineyard, the who of it was downgraded to Vin de France. A mere bureaucratic decision since the style of this wine reflects the best of Sancerre. The Sauvignon Blanc vines, each supported by a wooden stake, are biodynamically cultivated, and the grapes are handpicked and thoroughly sorted. Fermentation occurs in concrete vats before a long maturation period in third-fill barrels. Malolactic fermentation is avoided for greater freshness.
On the nose, aromas of white flowers and exotic fruits emerge, soon joined by a stony nuance. The palate is fresh and concentrated, with a slight bitterness, combining volume and length. A delicious wine, to be enjoyed in its youth, or aged for up to ten years.