Chateau Rieussec

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

With cheese

Ossau-Iraty Our pick These Sauternes are sweet, high in acidity and full-bodied, with apricot and honey notes. INAO calls the cheese salted without excess and often hazelnutty, so sweet fruit meets salt and nut.

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

Facts

Producer

Chateau Rieussec · visiting guide

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

Frequently asked about Chateau Rieussec

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