2023 Château Rieussec R de Rieussec

Château Rieussec belongs together with Château d'Yquem to the absolute top among the Sauternes wines. Rieussec has the status of 1st Grand Cru 1855. Rieussec is owned by Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild. In addition to the well-known sweet dessert wine from Sauternes, they also make a very nice dry white wine. The R de Rieussec.

The R de Rieussec is a blend of Sauvignon blanc 59%, Semillon 41% The grapes were hand-harvested in small crates on the plots selected for R de Rieussec. The Sauvignon was picked quite early to retain its freshness and rich thiol aromas, while the Sémillon was picked when the grapes were thoroughly ripe to give the wine structure and body. The harvest was cooled before pressing to reduce oxidation. The pressing was gentle to retain the aromatic freshness of the grapes. After cold settling, a large part of the Sémillon must was vinified in new oak barrels and 2nd year oak barrels. The Sauvignon musts were vinified mainly in stainless steel tanks at low temperature and a smaller amount in used oak barrels. At the end of the fermentation process, the wines are matured in barrels for six months on the lees (sur lie) with regular stirring. After maturing, the wines are blended in stainless steel vats (50%) and in oak barrels (50%) before being bottled.

The R de Rieussec has an expressive, complex nose, underlined by a delicious freshness. Notes of tropical fruit on the nose, mainly passion fruit, followed by floral notes with a hint of anise, fennel and tarragon. The minerality and concentration of the wine are already visible on the nose. On the palate, the attack is round and full, with subtle notes of fresh butter. This is followed by beautiful notes of freshly cut wood that contribute to the concentration and purity of the wine. A feeling of minerality emphasizes the entire palate, with warm notes of flint. The finish is concentrated and long, balanced by a pleasant hint of bitterness.

About R de Rieussec:

• A new form for R de Rieussec, with a new identity
• A specific terroir in Rieussec selected to produce a dry white wine
• Sauternes has proven to be a great terroir for dry white wines (Y for Yquem)
• 2021 is a great vintage for Bordeaux dry whites & Sauternes
• The 2021 is considered the finest dry white ever produced on the estate

FACT: In the tab: Attachment you will find the official factsheet of this wine. We will automatically send it to you when you order this wine.

WINE-FOOD SUGGESTIONS

• Grilled chicken fillet with lemon and thyme
  The fresh acids and light woody notes of the wine complement the juiciness of the chicken and the spicy notes of thyme and lemon.

• Salad with goat cheese, honey and walnuts
  The soft acids and subtle roundness of the wine combine well with the creamy goat's cheese, while the honey and walnuts provide a nice flavour balance.

• Baked salmon with dill and lemon butter
  The wine's full body and fresh finish complement the fatty structure of the salmon, with dill and lemon complementing the wine's fresh notes.

• Risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese
  The creamy texture of the risotto and the earthy flavours of the mushrooms are nicely refreshed by the acidity and light wood use in the wine.

• Shrimp with garlic and parsley
  The juicy shrimp and aromatic herbs are enhanced by the lively freshness and light spiciness of the wine, creating a beautiful harmony.