Chateau Rieussec

In the glass

Aroma: honey-drenched pineapple, orange blossom, mango, honeysuckle, lime cordial

Palate: apricot compote, marzipan, candied orange, caramel, nectarine

One of the most consistent Premier Cru Classe Sauternes, with Rieussec's distinctive high Semillon content yielding a wine of great concentration and rich tropical fruit. Honey-drenched pineapple, orange, mango, and caramel with vibrant acidity and a very long finish.

What it pairs with

• Foie gras mi-cuit with toast
  The classic Sauternes foie gras pairing; the wine's sweetness and acidity balance the unctuous richness of mi-cuit foie.
• Roquefort with honey and walnuts
  Salty, pungent blue cheese is tamed by the wine's honey and tropical fruit; acidity lifts the pairing.
• Creme brulee
  Caramel-on-caramel richness; the wine's high acidity prevents the combination from cloying.
• Apricot tarte tatin
  Stone fruit in both wine and dessert creates a balanced resonance; caramelised pastry echoes Sauternes complexity.
• Gorgonzola with pear
  Fruit and blue cheese pairing; sweetness and acidity balance pungent cheese while pear echoes the wine's nectarine notes.

How to serve Chateau Rieussec

Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.

1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
2. Serve at 8-12°C. Cellar temperature (8-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a small dessert-wine glass (3-5oz pour). The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. Pair with. Foie gras mi-cuit with toast, Roquefort with honey and walnuts, Creme brulee. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Chateau Rieussec is a Premier Cru Classe Sauternes estate of approximately 93 hectares, located in the communes of Fargues-de-Langon and Sauternes bordering Chateau d'Yquem. Originally founded by Carmelite monks, the property was confiscated during the French Revolution. Acquired by Albert Vuillier in 1971, it was subsequently purchased by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984, which has managed it to premier-growth standards since.

1. 1855 — Classified Premier Cru Classe in the Sauternes-Barsac classification
2. 1975 — Carmes de Rieussec second wine introduced
3. 1984 — Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquires Chateau Rieussec
4. 1999 — R de Rieussec dry white introduced

Facts

Producer

Chateau Rieussec

Grapes

Semillon (85%), Sauvignon Blanc (13%), Muscadelle (2%)

Classification

Premier Cru Classe (1855 Sauternes classification)

Oak

50% new French oak; 18 to 24 months

ABV

13.5%

Production

150,000 bottles

Price

EUR 70-130 at retail

Drinking window

10-40 from vintage

First vintage

1855

Scores

• Wine Advocate 97 (2017 vintage, reviewed 2020)
• Wine Advocate 97 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2018)

Frequently asked about Chateau Rieussec

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