{"product_id":"2023-chateau-rieussec-r-de-rieussec","title":"2023 Château Rieussec R de Rieussec","description":"\u003cp\u003e2023 Château Rieussec R de Rieussec is the dry white expression from one of Sauternes’ most illustrious estates, better known for its iconic sweet wines. Here, Rieussec channels its mastery of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc into a refined, vibrant Bordeaux blanc sec that’s all about freshness, precision and drinkability. The 2023 vintage captures the energy of the year in a wine that’s immediately charming yet built with enough structure to develop gracefully over a few years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2023 R de Rieussec shows a bright, pale straw-yellow color with subtle green reflections, signaling its youth and freshness. The nose is expressive and pure, offering an inviting mix of citrus zest and white flowers, alongside notes of ripe lemon, grapefruit, green apple and pear, layered with hints of fresh-cut herbs, white peach and a delicate touch of vanilla and toast from careful oak use.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is crisp and finely textured, with a lively line of acidity that keeps everything focused and refreshing. Expect flavors of citrus, orchard fruits and stone fruits wrapped around a subtle, creamy mid-palate, supported by gentle spice and a light, saline minerality that reflects its Sauternes terroir. The finish is long, clean and elegant, with a lingering impression of lemon peel, jasmine and a hint of honeyed richness without sweetness. Enjoyable now for its brightness and aromatics, it has the structure to age gracefully for 3–6 years, gaining additional complexity and roundness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eR de Rieussec is sourced from vineyards in Sauternes, where the classic gravel, sand and clay soils over limestone help produce wines with both aromatic intensity and a distinct mineral backbone. The blend typically centers on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with a possible touch of Muscadelle, harvested at optimal ripeness to balance freshness and flavor depth. Grapes are handpicked in small parcels to maintain quality, often with careful sorting at the winery. Fermentation takes place primarily in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve aromatic purity, with a portion aged in French oak barrels to add texture, subtle spice and complexity. The result is a finely tuned dry white that reflects both the estate’s grand cru Sauternes pedigree and a modern, precise approach to Bordeaux blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 2023 R de Rieussec is a versatile food wine that shines with refined yet uncomplicated dishes. It pairs beautifully with fresh seafood (oysters, scallops, shrimp, crab, grilled fish), sushi and sashimi, as well as roast chicken, veal in light cream sauces, and pasta with lemon, herbs or shellfish. It also works well alongside goat cheese, young Comté, mild soft cheeses and vegetable dishes featuring asparagus, artichoke or fennel. Serve well chilled but not icy, ideally around 8–10 °C (46–50 °F), to allow the aromatics to open. A brief 15–20 minutes in the glass or a quick splash decant can help the wine reveal its full range of citrus, floral and subtle oak notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChâteau Rieussec is a historic estate in the heart of Sauternes, classified as a Premier Cru in the 1855 Classification and long recognized as one of the benchmark producers of the appellation. With vineyards neighboring the legendary Château d’Yquem, Rieussec has built its reputation on producing opulent, botrytized sweet wines of remarkable depth, longevity and complexity. In recent decades, under the stewardship of highly skilled teams and with significant investment in vineyard management and cellar technology, the estate has also focused on crafting top-quality dry whites like R de Rieussec. This wine showcases another facet of Sauternes’ exceptional terroir, confirming Château Rieussec’s status as a reference point for both traditional sweet wines and modern, expressive dry Bordeaux whites.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Rieussec","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255056716113,"sku":"GCW-RIEU-23042702","price":34.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2021_Chteau_Rieussec_R_de_Rieussec_1.png?v=1783456311","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2023-chateau-rieussec-r-de-rieussec","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}