The multi-centenarian Château Rieussec
A rich history serving great wines
THEChâteau RieussecOriginally belonging to the Carmelite monks of Langon, it is located in the communes of Fargues and Sauternes. At the end of the 18th century, it became national property following the French Revolution. It then passed through the hands of a large number of owners between 1790 and 1984. In fact, there were no fewer than nine different owners during this period. Meanwhile, it also obtained the title of [missing information] in the 1855 Classification.Premier Cru Classé of Sauternes and BarsacIn 1984, it was finally acquired by Domaines Lafite Barons de Rothschild, which still owns it today. From then on, they undertook a series of measures aimed at improving the quality of the château's production. This included practices within the vineyard, as well as the construction of a new winery and the renovation of the existing ones. All these improvements quickly paid off, as in 2004 theChâteau Rieussecis voted Best Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator magazine.
The terroir of Château Rieussec, dedicated to producing truly great wines
A typical Sauternes vineyard
The vineyard ofChâteau Rieussecaccount today93 hectaresin the heart of theSauternes appellationIt is, in fact, one of the largest properties in the appellation, situated on soil composed mainly of sandy-clay soils and gravel. The grape varieties chosen byEric Kohler, technical director andJean de RoquefeuilThe vineyard manager is typically Sauternes-like. Indeed, 90% of the estate is planted with Sémillon, 7% with Sauvignon and 3% with Muscadelle.
Furthermore, the way the vineyard is managedChâteau RieussecThis too is typical of the Sauternes appellation. For example, the harvest takes place over six to eight weeks, from September to November, so that the grapes are only picked once they have reached perfect ripeness and according to the development of Botrytis cinerea. Furthermore, during the harvest, several successive sortings are carried out to retain only the best berries.
This results in rather small harvests and consequently very low yields. However, this is a deliberate choice on the part of the landowners.Château Rieussecto prioritize extreme quality over quantity.
The exceptional quality of the wines from Château Rieussec
Unique expertise dedicated to producing exceptional vintages
The meticulous craftsmanship combining tradition and technology ofChâteau Rieussecoffers three different cuvées each vintage.Premier Cru Classé of Sauternesfirstly, under the name ofChâteau RieussecIt offers beautiful liqueur-like flavors with a rich and powerful wine. The estate's second wine, Carmes de Rieussec, is also produced under the Sauternes appellation.
The owners use the same winemaking methods as for the château's first wine. This vintage, however, is characterized by a beautiful aromatic complexity and dominant citrus notes. Finally, the latest vintage from Château Rieussec, “R” de Rieussec, is a dry, straightforward white wine produced under the Bordeaux Blanc appellation.
Whatever the cuvée or vintage chosen, you will quickly be captivated by the incredible quality of the wines fromChâteau Rieussecwhich is now placed amongthe best of its kindYou will indeed be tasting a complex and powerful wine, with an elegant golden color, whose quality continues to improve vintage after vintage.
