Carmes de Rieussec 2024

Carmes de Rieussec 2024: The Airy Elegance of Sauternes

The second wine of the prestigious Château Rieussec, Carmes de Rieussec draws its character from 85 hectares of sandy-gravelly clay soils located at the confluence of Fargues and Sauternes, on the left bank of the Garonne. The influence of the Ciron River creates ideal conditions for the development of noble rot, the hallmark of great Bordeaux sweet wines.

The 2024 vintage stands out for its taut, contemporary profile. Vinified plot by plot in barrels, this wine benefits from 12 months of aging on lees with regular bâtonnage, imparting complexity and finesse.

Nose: A luminous expression reveals vibrant notes of fresh citrus and white flowers, evoking aromatic freshness and purity.

Color: Bright and clear, reflecting the youth and vibrancy of the vintage.

Palate: The delicate sweetness integrates harmoniously with a lively, energetic structure. This Sauternes favors elegance and precision over power, offering an airy, accessible profile while honoring the identity of its exceptional terroir.

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes destined for Carmes de Rieussec 2024 are immediately pressed. Following settling, the must is barreled for fermentation, with each plot receiving bespoke vinification. The wines are aged on their lees with regular stirring (bâtonnage) until mid-December, then racked and blended before a further ageing period of approximately 12 months in barrels.

This great sweet wine pairs wonderfully with foie gras, duck-based dishes, or roasted poultry with mild spices. It also creates superb contrasts with seafood, particularly oysters, spicy Asian cuisine, and blue cheeses such as Roquefort.