A wine with an intense and varied aromatic range and with an ample and generous palate
Adjacent to Château Yquem, Château de Rieussec benefits from a total area of 105 hectares of vines in one piece, 87 of which are devoted to white vines. The excellent and very old reputation of its wines has earned it a place in the classification of the most renowned Sauternes vintages. Selected from the same bases as the prestigious wine of the Château, the Carmes de Rieussec is a wine characterised by a beautiful aromatic amplitude and a long finish with citrus notes. This offers up a full bouquet of jammy fruits, which evolves into bitter orange aromas. The attack is delicate, followed by a nice rise in power with notes of fresh pineapple. The palate is ample well-balanced and tense with well-integrated oakiness and a lingering finish.
Carmes de Rieussec is a sweet wine fermented in barrels made by Château Rieussec in AOC Sauternes (Bordeaux) with the Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Semillon varieties. Since the Dominion of Rieussec was confiscated from Carmelite monks in the 18th century, it's passed through different hands. In 1984, however, when it was acquired by Domaine Barons de Rothschild, a series of rigorous rules were implemented to express the best potential of an exceptional terroir: Premier Cru Classé de Sauternes and Barsac.
Carmes de Rieussec originates from 93 hectares of vineyards which are located between Fargues and Sauternes, within the Bordeaux wine region. They are old vines planted in gravel soils, with sedimentary deposits. The harvest is manual and, due to being carried out in several batches, can last between a month and a half and 2 months.
Once the Carmes de Rieussec grape has been meticulously selected, fermentation in wooden barrels begins. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.
Blue cheeses and sweet desserts
95 points - Wine Spectator
IWC Awards 2025 - Best Single Site Retailer Finalist
IWC Awards 2025 - Best Regional Retailer, Central England Finalist
People's Choice Wine Awards - Best Independent Wine Retailer 2024
Decanter Retailer Awards - Best Regional Wine Shop Central England Winner 2023
