Carmes de Rieussec 2019

A fine, fresh and balanced Sauternes wine

The estate

Château Rieussec is located in the prestigious Sauternes appellation, in the south of the Bordeaux region. This château is steeped in history and belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon in the 18th century. It was then sold as "National Property" following the French Revolution. Classified as an 1855 Sauternes Premier Grand Cru, Château Rieussec was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1984.

The vineyard

The estate’s Second Wine, Carmes de Rieussec, is a Sauternes wine that stems from a sandy-clay gravel terroir. The vineyard of Château Rieussec is situated on the border between Fargues and Sauternes and covers 93 hectares, thus making it one of the largest estates in the appellation.

The vintage

The mild and dry conditions during the winter and at the beginning of spring favoured an early budding of the vines. The months of March and May were marked by a sharp drop in temperature, leading to a fear of frost and a slowdown in the growth of the grapes. The beginning of June, cool and rainy, preceded a summer of heatwaves, fortunately lasting a short period of time, which allowed the vines to catch up. The rainy episode on July 26th was beneficial for the vineyard and triggered the veraison period. The rainfall in September favoured the development of botrytis. Sour rot threatened the purity of the grapes therefore a rigorous sorting was carried out in order to keep only the best-quality grapes.

Vinification and ageing

Following the harvest, the grapes are immediately pressed and vinified in a parcel-by-parcel manner upon arrival at the winery. The musts are then placed in barrels separately after settling in order to carry out the fermentation. Once fermentation is complete, the juice is stirred regularly on lees until mid-December. Following the rest period, the wine is racked and then blended before being aged in barrels for approximately 12 months.

The blend

Semillon (84%)

Sauvignon Blanc (12%)

Muscadelle (4%).

Carmes de Rieussec 2019: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The intense and complex nose first reveals slightly mentholated fragrances that suggest a good balance. When aerated, the nose becomes more complex and deepens with delicious notes of rhubarb pie and dried apricots.

Palate

The palate is seduced by this wine’s balance and its freshness, both sustained by a pleasant acidity. Aromas of dried figs and dried apricots mingle with subtle toasted woody notes that enhance the roundness and smoothness of the wine. An empyreumatic note reminiscent of struck matches gives the wine a mineral and lengthy expression.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve between 8 and 10°C.