Tasting notes
A golden colour with aromas of honey, citrus blossom, and stone fruits. On the palate, a great balance of sweetness and acidity, with notes of apricot, candied orange peel, and subtle vanilla, leading to a long, clean finish. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with blue cheese or chocolate mousse.
Why we recommend this wine
Carmes de Rieussec, the second wine of Château Rieussec that was classified 1er Grand Cru in 1855, consistently receives high ratings from critics. Consistent with all good second wines it is excellent vaue for money making it a great introduction to fine Sauternes, offering much of the complexity of its grand vin sibling at a more accessible price point.
The wine
Crafted from a blend of predominantly Sémillon (87%), complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (10%) and Muscadelle (3%). The grapes are harvested by hand through multiple passes through the vineyard, selecting only botrytized berries at optimal ripeness. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, followed by 18 months of aging in the same barrels (30% new). The wine is fined using egg products, making it unsuitable for vegan diets, though it remains vegetarian-friendly.
The wine estate
Château Rieussec, established in 1766, was once church property before being confiscated during the French Revolution. Today, it is owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), who acquired the estate in 1984. The château maintains sustainable viticulture practices across its 93 hectares of vineyards, implementing precision viticulture techniques and careful environmental management. The estate has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact, including the installation of solar panels and water management systems. Website:
lafite.com/domaines/rieussec/
Food and wine
Versatile Sauternes pair wonderfully with both savoury and sweet dishes. Its fresh acidity and complex sweetness complement blue cheeses, foie gras, and spicy Asian cuisine. As a dessert wine, it's exceptional with fruit-based pastries, crème brûlée and dark chocolate. Sauternes makers have even told us that it is perfect with roast chicken! Refer also to our food and wine pairing guide, click here.
Did you know?
The noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) that gives Sauternes its distinctive character is so precise in its timing that in some vintages, the château may make only a few barrels of wine, while in others, they might produce over 50,000 bottles. In low vintages it is said that one vine produces one glass of wine.