Château Rieussec 2013

Château Rieussec: Sauternes Excellence Since 1868

An essential reference in the Sauternes appellation for generations, Château Rieussec stands as one of the jewels of the Garonne's left bank. As early as 1868, Charles Cocks noted the quality proximity of its wines to those of Yquem.

Located at the junction of Fargues and Sauternes, the estate extends over 93 hectares of vines on gravelly sandy-clay soils. The humidity brought by the Ciron creates ideal conditions for Botrytis Cinerea development, the noble rot that makes great sweet wines renowned.

This vintage experienced a capricious climate: harsh winter, late flowering, then an abrupt shift to summer. The delicate harvest extended until late October, with explosive botrytization in late September, requiring meticulous sorting.

Vinification favors immediate pressing, followed by fermentation in new barrels by parcel. The wines rest on lees with bâtonnage until mid-December, then are blended for 12 months of aging.

Blend: 96% Sémillon, 4% Sauvignon

Nose: Floral bouquet of acacia with delicate woody notes.

Color: Young and luminous hue.

Palate: Generous amplitude typical of sweet wines, harmonious finish of candied and fresh fruits. Remarkable airy and floral character.

Harvest from September 26 to October 31, carried out in 4 successive pickings (tries). Fermentation in barrels, followed by 20 months of ageing in new oak barrels.

Ideal as an aperitif, this wine also pairs beautifully with an exotic fruit sorbet or freshly grilled langoustine.