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AOC Sauternes, Bordeaux, France

Presentation

The second wine of Château Rieussec is selected according to the same standards as the first wine. Its constant feature is centred on a fine aromatic structure dominated by citrus aromas. The name, Carmes de Rieussec, relates to the monks of the Carmes de Langon, who were owners of the Rieussec estate in the 18th century.

The vintage

The beginning of the vines' cycle was complex to manage, being characterized by relatively low rainfall from January to March and very little rain in April. The morning dew combined with low humidity and high temperatures created favourable conditions for the development of powdery mildew (a cryptogamic disease), requiring extreme vigilance in the vineyard.
There was sporadic rain in August and September, creating humidity that was conducive to the growth of botrytis; this was followed by a beautiful Indian summer which enabled us to wait for optimal ripeness and to spread the harvests over an extended period (with 7 selective pickings) until November 2.

Winemaking

Ageing: 18 months in barrels.

Grapes

84 %
Sémillon
12 %
Sauvignon blanc
4 %
Muscadelle

Tasting

Floral nose of acacia, fresh pears and then candied apricots.
The palate starts off very well-rounded and then becomes tighter and more minerally, with a long finish expressing well-developed fruity notes.

More about the domain

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Lafite.com

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Rieussec