In the glass
Aroma: apricot compote, candied ginger, beeswax, orange blossom, saffron
Palate: tangerine, orange marmalade, honey, quince, vanilla cream
The second sweet wine of Chateau Rieussec, named after the Carmelite monks who founded the estate. Shares the same high-Semillon blend and botrytised character as the grand vin, with apricot, candied ginger, saffron, and orange blossom in a sweeter, more approachable style.
What it pairs with
-
Foie gras terrine
Classic Sauternes pairing; the wine's sweetness and acidity cut through the luxurious richness of foie gras terrine. -
Peach Melba
Stone fruit in the dessert mirrors the wine's apricot and tangerine notes; cream bridges the two. -
Roquefort with dried apricots
Salty blue cheese and dried fruit create resonance with the wine's apricot compote and candied-ginger character.
How to serve Les Carmes de Rieussec
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-12°C. Cellar temperature (8-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour). The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Foie gras terrine, Peach Melba, Roquefort with dried apricots. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Les Carmes de Rieussec was introduced in 1975 as the second Sauternes wine of the estate, named in honour of the Carmelite monks who originally cultivated the Rieussec vineyard. It is produced from younger vines and lots not selected for the grand vin, aged in the same oak regime.
- 1975 — Les Carmes de Rieussec introduced as the second sweet wine of the estate
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Rieussec
- Grapes
- Semillon (84%), Sauvignon Blanc (12%), Muscadelle (4%)
- Classification
- Sauternes AOC
- Oak
- French oak barrels; 18 months
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 30-55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1975
Frequently asked about Les Carmes de Rieussec
What does Les Carmes de Rieussec taste like?
On the nose, apricot compote, candied ginger, beeswax, orange blossom, saffron. On the palate, tangerine, orange marmalade, honey, quince, vanilla cream. Structurally full-bodied, high acidity with a long finish. The second sweet wine of Chateau Rieussec, named after the Carmelite monks who founded the estate. Shares the same high-Semillon blend and botrytised character as the grand vin, with apricot, candied ginger, saffron, and orange blossom in a sweeter, more approachable style.
When should I drink Les Carmes de Rieussec?
Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Les Carmes de Rieussec?
Foie gras terrine is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Peach Melba and Roquefort with dried apricots. Classic Sauternes pairing; the wine's sweetness and acidity cut through the luxurious richness of foie gras terrine.
What grapes are in Les Carmes de Rieussec?
The blend is Semillon (84%), Sauvignon Blanc (12%), Muscadelle (4%). The wine is classified as Sauternes AOC.