R de Rieussec 2022

R de Rieussec 2022: Sauternes Elegance in Dry White

From the prestigious terroirs of Château Rieussec, this exclusive cuvée reveals a singular approach to the Sauternes vineyard. Crafted on gravelly sandy-clay soils at the junction of Fargues and Sauternes, this dry white wine benefits from exceptional terroir where the Garonne and Ciron rivers shape a unique microclimate.

The blend favors the vivacity of Sauvignon Blanc (55%) complemented by the structure of Sémillon (45%). Careful vinification preserves aromatic freshness: partial barrel fermentation for Sémillon, stainless steel aging for Sauvignon, followed by six months of aging on lees with regular bâtonnage.

Nose: Intense aromatic expression revealing green citrus notes (kaffir lime, lime), fresh thyme, enhanced by smoky and vanilla nuances on a delicate vegetal background.

Color: Pale yellow with brilliant golden highlights.

Palate: Lively and mineral attack with pronounced chalky character. The frank palate reveals beautiful tension, subtle toasted touches, and a saline finish extended by a light grapefruit bitterness.

Hand-harvested in small crates, the grapes are chilled to limit oxidation before gentle pressing to preserve aromatic freshness. Following cold settling, part of the Sémillon must is fermented in new and one-year-old oak barrels, while the Sauvignon must is fermented mainly in stainless steel tanks, as well as in one-year-old barrels. The barrel-fermented wine is then aged on its lees for six months with regular bâtonnage. Once ageing is complete, the wines matured in stainless steel (50%) and in barrels (50%) are blended together.