In the glass
Aroma: white grapefruit, lime zest, white peach, floral herbs, chalk
Palate: citrus, honeydew, lemon cream, saline mineral, fresh finish
The dry white wine of Chateau Rieussec, a relative newcomer first produced in 1999. A fresh, citrussy Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from the Fargues-de-Langon terroir with herbal and mineral freshness; lighter-styled than the Sauternes grand vin but sharing its Semillon richness.
What it pairs with
-
Oysters with lemon
High-acid citrus drive is the classic oyster companion; the Semillon adds a subtle richness. -
Crab salad with avocado
Sweet crab and creamy avocado find a refreshing counterbalance in the wine's lime acidity and chalk mineral. -
Grilled asparagus with vinaigrette
Herbal and slightly bitter asparagus echo the Sauvignon's freshness; vinaigrette's acidity aligns with the wine.
How to serve R de Rieussec
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Oysters with lemon, Crab salad with avocado, Grilled asparagus with vinaigrette. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
R de Rieussec was introduced in 1999 as a dry white Bordeaux from the same Fargues-de-Langon terroir as the Sauternes grand vin. It uses the classification Bordeaux AOC rather than Sauternes (which is reserved for sweet wines) and is intended to demonstrate the terroir's versatility for dry white production.
- 1999 — R de Rieussec introduced as a dry white Bordeaux from the Sauternes estate
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Rieussec
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (55%), Semillon (45%)
- Classification
- Bordeaux AOC (dry white)
- Oak
- Approximately 20% new French oak; 12 months
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 25-45 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1999
Frequently asked about R de Rieussec
What does R de Rieussec taste like?
On the nose, white grapefruit, lime zest, white peach, floral herbs, chalk. On the palate, citrus, honeydew, lemon cream, saline mineral, fresh finish. Structurally medium-bodied, high acidity with a medium finish. The dry white wine of Chateau Rieussec, a relative newcomer first produced in 1999. A fresh, citrussy Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from the Fargues-de-Langon terroir with herbal and mineral freshness; lighter-styled than the Sauternes grand vin but sharing its Semillon richness.
When should I drink R de Rieussec?
Drink 2-8 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with R de Rieussec?
Oysters with lemon is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Crab salad with avocado and Grilled asparagus with vinaigrette. High-acid citrus drive is the classic oyster companion; the Semillon adds a subtle richness.
What grapes are in R de Rieussec?
The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (55%), Semillon (45%). The wine is classified as Bordeaux AOC (dry white).