Carmes de Rieussec
Presentation
The second wine of Château Rieussec is selected according to the same standards as the first wine. Its constant feature is centred on a fine aromatic structure dominated by citrus aromas. The name, Carmes de Rieussec, relates to the monks of the Carmes de Langon, who were owners of the Rieussec estate in the 18th century.
The vintage
A difficult year. The first challenge was a hail storm on 24 April, and then a late flowering (10 June) in damp conditions, which had a direct, negative impact on potential yields.
June and July brought alternating heat and humidity, which was very favourable for the growth of fungi: downy mildew and powdery mildew in the vineyards, but also ceps and chanterelles in the woods! Protection against disease was difficult, and the wine growers and vineyard managers had to apply all of their skills and experience to work with the rules that we set in our "Sustainable Development" charter.
At the end of August, in beautiful warm weather, the onset of ripening was uneven, resulting in difficulties at the sorting stage, and particularly complex choices regarding the order in which plots were harvested.
Despite everyone's best efforts, these conditions did not allow us to produce a first wine (Château Rieussec) for this vintage; however, it was possible to salvage a pleasant, fruity, floral Carmes de Rieussec.
Winemaking
Ageing: 18 months in barrels.
Tasting
Bouquet of white flowers, acacia and honeysuckle. On the palate, the sweetness is present from the start with notes of honey; the wine then confirms a balanced, harmonious structure and the moderately long finish ends with a pleasant, fairly lively expression.
This wine should be drunk young as an aperitif.
Alcohol content
13.5
Grapes
Sémillon
: 87 %
Sauvignon blanc
: 10 %
Muscadelle
: 3 %