Château Rieussec

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- Sauternes -

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Carmes de Rieussec 2018

Bordeaux - Sauternes - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 24.00€ / bottle

- Case of 6 bottles (75cl)

23.00€ / bottle

- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)

22.00€ / bottle

€24.00 Or €24.00 / bottle

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Wine Advocate 89-91 J. Suckling 90-91

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R de Rieussec 2023

Bordeaux - White Bordeaux - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 28.40€ / bottle

€28.40 Or €28.40 / bottle

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Carmes de Rieussec 2011

Bordeaux - Sauternes - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 29.00€ / bottle

- Case of 6 bottles (75cl)

27.50€ / bottle

- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)

26.58€ / bottle

€29.00 Or €29.00 / bottle

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Château Rieussec 2018

Bordeaux - Sauternes - 1er Cru Classé - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 59.90€ / bottle

€59.90 Or €59.90 / bottle

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Wine Advocate 91-93 Wine Spectator 93-96

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Château Rieussec 2011

Bordeaux - Sauternes - 1er Cru Classé - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 84.00€ / bottle

€84.00 Or €84.00 / bottle

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Wine Advocate 91-93 Wine Spectator 93-96

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Château Rieussec 2022

Bordeaux - Sauternes - 1er Cru Classé - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 96.00€ / bottle

€96.00 Or €96.00 / bottle

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Wine Advocate 94-96

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Château Rieussec 2019

Bordeaux - Sauternes - 1er Cru Classé - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 120.00€ / bottle

€120.00 Or €120.00 / bottle

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Wine Advocate 94-96

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Château Rieussec Premier Cru Classé of Sauternes: A Luscious Gem

Château Rieussec is one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Sauternes region, classified as a Premier Cru Classé of Sauternes since 1855. Rich in history and renowned for its exceptional wines, this estate stands out for its opulent, generous, and complex wines, which have become a staple among the great sweet wines of Bordeaux.

History and Ownership of Château Rieussec

Founded in the 18th century, Château Rieussec is an essential reference in the Sauternes region. In 1984, the estate was acquired by the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), a renowned player in the wine world, already owner of the famous Château Lafite-Rothschild in Pauillac. The purchase by the Rothschilds allowed massive investment in the vineyard and facilities, notably under the direction of Charles Chevallier, then responsible for winemaking.

Today, the estate covers about 110 hectares, including 68 hectares of vines. Thanks to rigorous viticultural practices and constant attention to quality, Rieussec has become a symbol of refinement and excellence in the production of Sauternes wines.

Terroir and Vineyard: The Secret of Balance

The terroir of Rieussec is exceptional. The soils are mainly composed of clayey gravel that promotes perfect drainage, essential for the production of sweet wines. This specific soil, combined with the unique climate of Sauternes, allows the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), an indispensable element for concentrating the sugars and aromas of the grapes.

The grape varieties cultivated on the estate include:

Sémillon (about 90%)
Sauvignon Blanc (7%)
Muscadelle (3%)

This blend brings to the wine its balance between acidity and sweetness, allowing a beautiful freshness despite the richness of the sugar.

The Winemaking Process: Expertise and Innovation

Harvesting at Château Rieussec is a key moment and is done in several passes (tries), selecting only the grapes affected by noble rot, thus ensuring maximum concentration of sugar and aromas.

Vinification then takes place in oak barrels, a portion of which is new each year. This choice of aging in oak accentuates woody, vanilla, and toasted aromas, adding an extra dimension to the wine. Fermentation often lasts several weeks to preserve the delicate balance between sugar and acidity.

Tasting: A Wine of Radiant Generosity

Château Rieussec is known for its opulent and very sweet style. Each vintage has its own characteristics, but the wine is distinguished by its exceptional aromatic richness combined with intense complexity. Upon tasting, the dominant aromas include:

Tropical fruits: pineapple, mango, passion fruit
Candied citrus: orange marmalade
Stone fruits: quince, dried apricot
Floral notes: white flowers

On the palate, the wine offers a creamy and dense texture, balanced by a beautiful freshness. The finish is long, marked by spicy notes and persistent aromas of candied fruits and honey.

Aging and Cellaring Potential

Thanks to its structure and sugar concentration, Château Rieussec has strong aging potential. The best vintages can age between 15 and 30 years, or even longer, developing over time complex notes of caramel, dried fruits, white truffle, and hazelnut. This wine is therefore a true investment for lovers of great sweet wines.

Food and Wine Pairings: Enhancing the Experience

Château Rieussec pairs ideally with both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some suggestions for a perfect match:

Foie gras: The richness of foie gras contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the wine.
Fruit desserts: Citrus tarts, crêpes Suzette, or mango-based desserts.
Blue cheeses: Roquefort, Stilton, or Gorgonzola, whose powerful character complements the wine's smoothness.
Asian cuisine: Certain spicy dishes, especially those with curry or coconut milk, pair wonderfully with the freshness of Château Rieussec.

Notable Vintages of Château Rieussec

Among the standout vintages of Château Rieussec, notable ones include:

2001: An exceptional vintage, praised for its aromatic intensity and length on the palate.
2011: Recognized for its great purity and perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
2022: Eagerly awaited by connoisseurs, this vintage promises rich aromatic complexity and significant aging potential.

Château Rieussec and En Primeur: An Opportunity to Seize

Each year, Château Rieussec offers its wines en primeur, a tradition in Bordeaux allowing the acquisition of wines before bottling. This system offers enthusiasts the opportunity to invest in promising vintages, often at advantageous prices compared to the post-bottling market.

Conclusion: A World-Class Sauternes

The Château Rieussec is undoubtedly one of the best Premier Crus Classés of Sauternes. With its opulent, rich, and aromatic wines, it stands as an essential among great sweet wines. Whether for immediate enjoyment or long-term investment, each bottle of Château Rieussec is a promise of excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average price of a bottle of Château Rieussec? The price of a bottle of Château Rieussec varies depending on the vintage. Generally, it ranges between €50 and €150 for recent vintages and can reach several hundred euros for older and rare vintages.

When should you drink a Château Rieussec? A Château Rieussec can be enjoyed young to appreciate its freshness and fruitiness, but it develops more marked aromatic complexity after several years of aging.

What are the best vintages of Château Rieussec? The 2001, 2007, and 2010 vintages are particularly renowned for their richness and aging potential.

How should you store a Château Rieussec? It is recommended to store Château Rieussec in a wine cellar at a stable temperature of around 12°C, away from light and humidity.

What are the characteristics of the 2022 vintage? The 2022 vintage of Château Rieussec is anticipated for its exceptional aromatic concentration, featuring powerful exotic fruit aromas and a rich texture.

Is Château Rieussec a good investment? Yes, wines from Château Rieussec, especially the outstanding vintages, have significant aging potential, making them a good investment for wine enthusiasts and collectors.