Château Rieussec is one of the most renowned wine estates in Sauternes and is known for its prestigious sweet wines, which have been setting standards for generations.
📜 History & special features
The origins of the estate go way back in history. Originally, the estate belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon in the 18th century. After the French Revolution, it was confiscated and put up for public auction in 1790.
Château Rieussec's golden age began with its official classification as a "Premier Cru Classé" in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855. Since 1984, the estate has been owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), which has ushered in a continuous surge in quality. A highlight of recent history was the selection of the 2001 vintage as "Wine of the Year" in 2004 by the Wine Spectator.
🌿 Viticulture & terroir
The vineyards of Château Rieussec extend over 85 to 93 hectares on the border of the communes of Fargues and Sauternes, directly neighbouring the legendary Château d'Yquem.
Location & soils: The terroir is characterised by sandy and gravelly soil, mixed with clay and limestone. The vineyards lie at an altitude of up to 78 metres, which is one of the highest altitudes in the appellation and provides an ideal microclimate for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea).
Grape varieties: The planting follows the classic Sauternes cuvée:
Cultivation: Traditional methods of the region are used. The grapes are harvested by hand in six to eight elaborate passes. The vineyards are 100% grassed, which is a speciality in Sauternes and promotes biodiversity.
Vinification: The wine matures for 18 to 26 months in French barriques, of which a high proportion (up to 100%) is renewed annually.
🍷 The wines
The estate produces a range of wines, each with its own character and purpose.
Château Rieussec (Grand Vin): The main noble sweet wine, often described by critics as the sweetest of the Sauternes wines. It is known for its aromatic complexity with notes of honeysuckle, tropical fruits and apricots.
Carmes de Rieussec (second wine): This wine is named after the Carmelite monks as the original owners. It offers an earlier, more accessible style, but is vinified with the same care as the Grand Vin.
R de Rieussec (dry white wine): A speciality, as it is a dry white wine (often made from non-vintage grapes) that offers an alternative to the sweet wines.
Contents: 0.75 Liter (€132.00* / 1 Liter)