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.
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