Château Rieussec Sauternes AC Carmes de Rieussec 2023
- 0.37CL | 13.5 %
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Château Rieussec Sauternes AC Carmes de Rieussec 2023
Taste & Aging
Complexity
Complex & deepDrinking Window
Aromas
Food Pairing
Vintage Report
Château Rieussec Carmes de Rieussec 2023 Sauternes AC, France
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.
Vineyards and region
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.
Vinification and aging
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.
Grape composition
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.
Tasting notes and serving suggestions
Light gold in the glass, with aromas of candied apricot, citrus, white flowers, honey, white almond, and peach. On the palate, it is unctuous and precise, with a beautiful tension between ripe sweetness and fresh lift. The finish lingers long on candied fruit and floral notes.
- Serving temperature: 10–12 °C works best here, as this range maintains freshness while allowing the wine's rich texture to shine.
- Food pairings: Foie gras, blue cheeses, fruit desserts, and spicy Asian dishes pair beautifully with this wine.
More information about Château Rieussec
Château Rieussec dates back to the 18th century when the estate was linked to the Carmelite monks of Langon. Since its acquisition by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite in 1984, there has been a strong focus on meticulous selection and precise vinification, while its historic 1er Grand Cru Classé status from 1855 still positions the château as one of the great names of Sauternes. Carmes de Rieussec allows you to taste that heritage in a wine that clearly comes from the same serious house.
Product details
| Availability | Only 4 in stock! |
|---|---|
| Alcohol content | 13.5% |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0.37CL |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Varietal(s) | Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon |
| Oak aging | Yes, Fermentation in new barriques, followed by approximately 12 months of barrel aging on the lees. |
| Ideal serving temperature ? | 10° - 12°C |
| Storage at perfecte wijn | Air conditioned at 18°c |
