Carmes de Rieussec 2020

An elegant and rich great Sauternes wine

The estate

Château Rieussec is located in the prestigious Sauternes appellation, in the south of the Bordeaux region. A château steeped in history, it belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon in the 18th century and was sold as sold as a "Bien National" ("National Property") following the French Revolution. Classified as an 1855 Sauternes Premier Grand Cru, Château Rieussec was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1984.

The vineyard

Château Rieussec’s Second Vin, Carmes de Rieussec is a Sauternes wine that stems from a sandy-clay gravel terroir. The vineyard of Château Rieussec spreads across 93 hectares on the fringe between Fargues and Sauternes, making it one of the appellation’s most prominent estates.

The vintage

Although the particularly mild conditions during the autumn/winter 2019-2020 advanced an early budburst, the heavy rainfall from April to June led to a considerable mildew pressure. An early flowering period recorded around May 19th preceded a 55-day drought during the summer, causing water stress in the gravel soil terraces, whereas the soils of the hillsides and lower parts of the slope as well as the marl and limestone soils are more resistant. This climate does not favour the appearance of botrytis. Harvesting had to wait until October 21st for the Sémillon terroirs around the château to reach an optimal ripeness level.

Winemaking and ageing

Following the harvest, the grapes arrive at the estate and are immediately pressed and vinified in a plot-by-plot manner. The musts are then put into barrels separately after settling in order to carry out the fermentation process. Once fermentation is complete, the juice on the lees is stirred regularly until mid-December. Following a standstill period, the wine is racked and then blended before being aged in barrels for approximately 12 months.

Blend

Sémillon (82%)
Sauvignon Blanc (16%)
Muscadelle (2%).

Carmes de Rieussec 2020: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose
The nose is delicate, mingling rhubarb and peach fragrances with delicious notes of white flowers.

Palate
A fresh attack with notes of rhubarb gives way to an alluring, delicious and pure mouthfeel. Persistent and smooth, the finish reveals buttery and subtle aromas of Muscadelle.