Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes 2020 75cl

Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes

This sweet Bordeaux white blends Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc from a historic Sauternes First Growth estate. Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, the property sits on gravel and sandy-clay soils above the Garonne River. Autumn morning mists from the Ciron River encourage noble rot to concentrate the fruit. Individual parcels ferment in new oak barrels before twelve months of barrel maturation and fine lees stirring.

Tasting Profile:

• Appearance: Bright golden yellow.
• Nose: Subtle aromas of warm stone and rain-washed dry grass open up into fresh apricot and delicate white blossom.
• Palate: Vibrant lemon citrus guides the palate, balancing discreet candied fruit sweetness with crisp natural freshness.
• Finish: Well-integrated oak supports a taut, chiselled finish that leaves lasting notes of stone fruit and bright citrus zest.

Occasion & Buyer Profile

Food Pairing Suggestions

Here are a few serving suggestions and pairing ideas to help you get the most from this dessert wine, whether you’re enjoying it with food or simply savouring it on its own.

Creamy Roquefort blue cheese with crusty walnut bread and fresh figs makes a classic match because the wine's delicate apricot sweetness tames the intense saltiness of the cheese. Vibrant lemon freshness cuts right through the rich dairy texture. Serve well-chilled at around eight degrees.

Warm apricot and frangipane tart with clotted cream mirrors the wine's stone fruit notes while relying on its bright Sauvignon acidity to keep the pastry from feeling too heavy. The subtle oak spice ties into the toasted almonds effortlessly. Pour into smaller white wine glasses so the aromatics shine.

• Desserts

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Grape Variety: Blend

Brand: Chateau Rieussec

Wine Type: Dessert Wine

Wine Style: Medium-Bodied

Wine Sweetness: Sweet

Vintage: 2020

Size: 75cl

ABV: 13.5%

Dietary:

Vegetarian

Carmes De Rieussec Sauternes supplied by Cotswold Port Co.

Meet The Wine Producer Behind The Bottle

A brief look at the producer’s heritage and winemaking approach.

Chateau Rieussec

Chateau Rieussec is one of the most prestigious estates in Sauternes, Bordeaux, classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classe in the historic 1855 Classification. Located in Fargues, neighbouring the legendary vineyards of Chateau d’Yquem, the estate has a long history dating back to the 18th century and is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest sweet wines.

The chateau’s vineyards extend across approximately 90 hectares, planted mainly with Semillon, alongside Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, on gravelly soils over clay and sand. These conditions, combined with the influence of the Ciron and Garonne rivers, encourage the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which naturally concentrates the grapes and creates the richness and complexity associated with great Sauternes.

Since becoming part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) group in 1984, Chateau Rieussec has continued to refine its approach to vineyard management and winemaking, combining centuries of tradition with modern precision. The estate is celebrated for its elegant, long-lived wines, balancing honeyed richness with freshness, minerality and exceptional ageing potential.

Why We Love This Dessert Wine

All of our wines are hand picked and tried by us in our tasting room.

Our Review:

Tasting Team Member: Stu, WSET 2

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