Carmes de Rieussec 2023 is a Sauternes for those seeking the heritage and class of a great house in a wine with remarkable precision and refinement. As the second wine of Château Rieussec, it comes from an estate that has been classified as 1er Grand Cru Classé since 1855 and remains one of Sauternes' great references. In this appellation, botrytis is all-important. What is botrytis cinerea? It is the noble rot made possible here by the humidity around the Ciron, which gives Sauternes its concentrated, rich character.
The allure of Carmes de Rieussec begins in Sauternes, one of Bordeaux's most famous sweet wine appellations.
- Location / Origin: Château Rieussec is located on the border of Fargues and Sauternes, on the left bank of the Garonne, approximately 50 km south of Bordeaux. This places the château right in the heart of the Sauternes appellation.
- Prestigious location: The estate is situated directly next to Château d’Yquem, a detail that perfectly illustrates which part of Sauternes you find yourself in.
- Soil: The vineyards are located on gravelly, sandy clay soil, a terroir inextricably linked to Rieussec.
- Climate & influences: The natural humidity of the Ciron creates ideal conditions here for Botrytis Cinerea, the fungus that makes great Sauternes possible.
- Vineyard & harvest: With 85 ha, Rieussec is one of the larger properties in Sauternes and Barsac. The vines for this wine are an average of 35 years old.
In the cellar, too, the approach is remarkably precise and plot-specific.
- Fermentation: The grapes are pressed immediately upon arrival, after which the must, following settling, is transferred to new barriques for fermentation. Each plot is pressed and fermented separately, allowing for a very precise final assemblage.
- Aging / Maturation in wood: After fermentation, the wine remains on its lees and is stirred regularly until mid-December. This is followed by blending and approximately 12 months of barrel aging, which provides extra texture and a beautifully integrated oak influence.
The blend is classic Sauternes, with Sémillon as the main component and aromatic support from Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
- 82% Sémillon – Sauternes: Sémillon forms the broad base and gives the wine its round, layered texture.
- 11% Sauvignon Blanc – Sauternes: Sauvignon Blanc brings lift, freshness, and extra tension to the whole.
- 7% Muscadelle – Sauternes: Muscadelle provides a refined floral nuance in the aromatic profile.
