Carmes Rieussec Sauternes 2nd Wine 2021

Category:
 
Sweet Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
White Wines
Producer:
 
Carmes Rieussec
Label Name:
 
Sauternes 2nd Wine
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Sauternes (Bordeaux)
Volume:
 
375ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Acidity:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
5
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
10-12°C

Awards/Ratings
Falstaff 92 points (2024); other merchant/reviewer scores around 90; widely noted for bright citrus, honeyed botrytis and long finish

Tasting Note
Golden, candied citrus, apricot and marmalade with honeysuckle, honey and vanilla; bright lemony acidity balances medium‑sweet richness, finishing long with a citrus‑tinged caramel note.

Food Pairing
Western: seared foie gras, Roquefort/blue cheese, lemon tart, roast chicken with apricot glaze. Asian: Peking duck, spicy Thai curry, teriyaki salmon, mango sticky rice.

Production Method
Hand‑harvested, botrytised grapes picked in successive passes; fermented and aged in French oak barrels (portion new), lees‑contact and bâtonnage, aged ~12–24 months.

Vineyard Info
Second wine of Château Rieussec (Domaines Barons de Rothschild/Lafite). Estate in Fargues, Sauternes; high standards and oak ageing; name recalls Carmelite monks.