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
The very wet, cold winter resulted in work in the vineyard being considerably delayed; bud break was late, and flowering was three weeks later than the average for the last 50 years; the changeable weather resulted in some flower abortion and uneven grape size, and therefore in lower potential yields than usual. Then at the end of June, the weather suddenly changed, and it was as if we were in the middle of the summer, with no transition, although there were a lot of localized storms.
The harvest period put our technicians in a cold sweat: rain, sun, and a long, slow ripening, which became difficult to manage with an "explosive" outbreak of botrytis in late September! Fortunately, the sorting teams were very efficient despite the difficult harvest conditions. The selective picking continued to the end of October with excellent botrytisation.
Winemaking
Ageing: 18 months in barrels.
Tasting
Initially presenting Sauvignon aromas, the nose is then dominated by freshness and exotic notes. On the palate the attack is clean, direct, and silky, followed by slightly spicy notes of honey that extend into a lively finish.
An aperitif wine best enjoyed young and thoroughly chilled.
Alcohol content
13.5
Grapes
Sémillon
: 87 %
Sauvignon blanc
: 8 %
Muscadelle
: 5 %