2017 Château Rieussec "Carmes de Rieussec" Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Château Rieussec’s second wine is selected according to the same standards as the first wine. Its character consistently reveals a beautiful aromatic range dominated by citrus flavours. Carmes de Rieussec’s name is a reference to the Carmelite monks in Langon, who owned the Rieussec estate in the 18th century. 80-90% Sémillon - 10 to 20% Sauvignon and Muscadelle. Ages in barrel for 18 months.

Serve between 46-50 degrees F.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Once of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac, the Château Rieussec vineyard extends to the border of Fargues and Sauternes, and adjoins Château d’Yquem. Rieussec is one of the largest properties in Sauternes and Barsac, the vineyard covers 93 hectares of gravelly sandy-clay soil.

The iconic grape variety of Sauternes, Sémillon, dominates (90%), followed by Sauvignon (7%) and Muscadelle (3%). Traditional Sauternes techniques are used and the harvests are carried out with selective pickings depending on the ripeness of the grapes and evolution of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). They last for 6 to 8 weeks from September to November.

Production is low and firmly in the hands on Mother Nature. The traditional saying is that a single vine should produce a bottle of wine. Here, though, a single vine produces about a glass of wine!

The vineyard is managed by ​Technical Director of Château L’Evangile, Château Rieussec, Château Paradis Casseuil and Long Dai, with the help of Jean de Roquefeuil, Vineyard Manager, and Serge Bertrand Roux, Cellar Master.