Château Rieussec 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Advice for Château Rieussec 2023

Tasting

Nose
Complex and refined, the nose reveals aromas of apricot and fresh pineapple, accompanied by candied citrus zests. Delicate floral notes of chamomile and acacia complete this expressive bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, this wine seduces with its subtle balance between creamy texture and aromatic freshness. The finish stands out for its vivacity, revealing notes of bittersweet blood orange peel and an intense, persistent mentholated freshness.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Château Rieussec 2023 pairs perfectly with pan-seared foie gras, exotic fruit desserts, or a blue-veined cheese. It also elevates an apricot tart or spicy dishes from Asian cuisine.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve this Château Rieussec 2023 between 8 and 10°C in white wine glasses to reveal its full aromatic complexity. A slight aeration allows its aromas to fully express themselves. To be enjoyed until around 2043.

Other Characteristics

This sweet wine has an alcohol level of 14% vol., a pH of 3.9, and a total acidity of 3.72 g/L. With 147 g/L of residual sugars, it perfectly expresses the sweet character typical of the Sauternes appellation.

An Exceptional Sauternes Combining Rare Purity and Balance

The Estate

Created in the 18th century by the Carmes de Langon monks, Château Rieussec is located at the junction of Fargues and Sauternes. Classified as a First Growth in 1855, this estate has belonged since 1984 to Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Its privileged position, adjacent to Château d'Yquem, and its gravelly sandy-clay soils benefit from the humidity of the Ciron, promoting Botrytis cinerea. This estate embodies the excellence of Bordeaux sweet wines thanks to its exceptional terroir and the expertise of the Rothschild family.

The Vineyard

The vineyard of Château Rieussec thrives on an exceptional 85-hectare terroir located on the left bank of the Garonne, about 50 kilometers south of Bordeaux. Planted on gravelly sandy-clay soils, this Sauternes terroir benefits from ideal climatic conditions for the development of noble rot, an essential element in crafting Sauternes’ great sweet wines.

The Wine

On the occasion of this 2023 vintage, which celebrates the 40th harvest dedicated to the production of this cuvée, the estate innovates by offering the half-bottle (discontinued since 2021 with the introduction of the new packaging), as well as a clear magnum (in a limited edition for this vintage) with a choice between two different labels: crown and retro.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage is characterized by a wetter winter than the previous year, although remaining below average levels. Two nights of frost caused localized damage without significant impact on the harvest. Tropical conditions from mid-May to early July were followed by heat waves in August and September, creating a high-quality vintage marked by rare balance and purity.

Winemaking and Aging

The manual harvest of Château Rieussec 2023 is carried out in small crates, followed by immediate pressing in small pneumatic presses. After settling, the musts ferment in new barrels for the Sémillon and in a second-fill barrel for the Sauvignon Blanc, with parcel-by-parcel vinification. Aging on the lees with bâtonnage continues until mid-December, before the Blend and return to barrels for about 18 months of aging.

Grape Varieties

Sémillon (89%), Sauvignon Blanc (11%)