Carmes de Rieussec 2022

## Tasting notes and characteristics of Carmes de Rieussec 2022 **Tasting** *Nose*
Combining power and aromatic expression harmoniously, the nose blends fruity fragrances (candied apricot) with floral notes (rose) characteristic of Muscadelle. *Palate*
The palate reveals delicate candied notes stretching into a fresh, lingering finish. ## The refinement and indulgence of a Sauternes wine **The estate** Château Rieussec is located within the prestigious Sauternes appellation, south of the Bordeaux region. This historic château belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon in the 18th century before being sold as “national property” following the Revolution. Classified Premier Grand Cru of Sauternes in the 1855 Classification, Château Rieussec was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1984. **The vineyard** The second wine of Château Rieussec, Carmes de Rieussec is a Sauternes wine grown on clay-sandy gravel soils. The vineyard of Château Rieussec spans 93 hectares at the junction of Fargues and Sauternes, making it one of the largest in the appellation. **The vintage** 2022 was marked by a cool winter that delayed the vine's growth by two weeks. April frosts affected certain plots, though the most vulnerable areas were spared thanks to late pruning. Dry, sunny weather leading up to the harvest allowed the vines to make up for lost time. Harvesting began early for the dry white wines and later for the sweet wines, as growers waited for the humidity needed to develop botrytis. Rain on September 15th, followed by regular morning mists, allowed noble rot to set in gradually, resulting in magnificent grapes with remarkable freshness. **Winemaking and aging** After harvest, the grapes arriving at the winery are immediately pressed and vinified on a plot-by-plot basis. The musts are then transferred into separate barrels after settling, in order to undergo fermentation. Once fermentation is complete, the lees are stirred regularly (bâtonnage) until mid-December. After a resting period, racking and blending take place, followed by further aging in barrel for approximately 12 months. **Blend** Sémillon (58%)
Sauvignon Blanc (25%)
Muscadelle (17%)