Château Rieussec Carmes de Rieussec Sauternes 2011

Carmes de Rieussec 2011 is the second wine of Château Rieussec, offering an inviting introduction to the style of one of Sauternes’ celebrated estates. From an excellent vintage for sweet wines, it combines ripe, botrytised fruit with refreshing acidity and the depth to continue developing in bottle.

Tasting Notes
Golden in colour, it opens with aromas of apricot, candied citrus, honey, orange peel and exotic fruit, lifted by hints of vanilla and spice. The palate is rich and creamy, with ripe yellow fruit, honey and citrus balanced by bright acidity and a long, sweet finish. After more than a decade in bottle, the wine has gained complexity while retaining freshness and structure. It can be enjoyed now or cellared further.

Production
The grapes come from Château Rieussec in Fargues, in the Sauternes appellation, where conditions in 2011 favoured the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. Sémillon forms the main part of the blend, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and a smaller proportion of Muscadelle. Harvesting is done by hand in successive passes, selecting only grapes with the desired degree of botrytis; further vinification details are not provided.

Food & Serving
Serve lightly chilled, around 10–12°C, with foie gras, blue cheese or fruit-based desserts. It also makes a satisfying glass on its own. Decanting is not essential, though a little time in the glass can help its aromas unfold.

Producer
Château Rieussec is located in Fargues, next to Château d’Yquem, and has been owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) since 1984. As the estate’s second wine, Carmes de Rieussec reflects the château’s Sauternes style in a more approachable expression.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.