The 2022 Carmes de Rieussec is a rich and elegant Sauternes made from 82% Smillon, 16% Sauvignon Blanc, and 2% Muscadelle. The vintage experienced challenging weather, with heavy spring rains and a dry summer, delaying harvest until October 21st for optimal ripeness. After fermentation, the wine was aged in barrels for 12 months, resulting in a beautifully structured wine with rich texture and balanced sweetness.

Winemaker

An elegant and rich great Sauternes wine

The estate

Chteau Rieussec is located in the prestigious Sauternes appellation, in the south of the Bordeaux region. A chteau steeped in history, it belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon in the 18th century and was sold as sold as a “Bien National” (“National Property”) following the French Revolution. Classified as an 1855 Sauternes Premier Grand Cru, Chteau Rieussec was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1984.

The vineyard
Chteau Rieussecs Second Vin, Carmes de Rieussec is a Sauternes wine that stems from a sandy-clay gravel terroir. The vineyard of Chteau Rieussec spreads across 93 hectares on the fringe between Fargues and Sauternes, making it one of the appellations most prominent estates.

The vintage
Although the particularly mild conditions during the autumn/winter 2019-2020 advanced an early budburst, the heavy rainfall from April to June led to a considerable mildew pressure. An early flowering period recorded around May 19th preceded a 55-day drought during the summer, causing water stress in the gravel soil terraces, whereas the soils of the hillsides and lower parts of the slope as well as the marl and limestone soils are more resistant. This climate does not favour the appearance of botrytis. Harvesting had to wait until October 21st for the Smillon terroirs around the chteau to reach an optimal ripeness level.

Winemaking and ageing
Following the harvest, the grapes arrive at the estate and are immediately pressed and vinified in a plot-by-plot manner. The musts are then put into barrels separately after settling in order to carry out the fermentation process. Once fermentation is complete, the juice on the lees is stirred regularly until mid-December. Following a standstill period, the wine is racked and then blended before being aged in barrels for approximately 12 months.

Blend
Smillon (82%)
Sauvignon Blanc (16%)
Muscadelle (2%).