Among the most charming expressions of the Sauternes region, the Carmes de Rieussec 2010 stands out as a sweet wine of rare distinction, celebrating the balance between elegance, silkiness and freshness. The second wine of the legendary Château Rieussec, Premier Grand Cru Classé, it gracefully conveys the identity of a gravelly, clay-sandy terroir where carefully tended vines yield grapes bursting with aroma. In this sunny, precise vintage, the 37,5 cl half bottle becomes the setting for a refined sensory experience, ideal for an indulgent tête-à-tête, a bold pairing at the table or a gift that honors the French art of living. The Carmes de Rieussec 2010 meets the expectations of enthusiasts seeking a vibrant sweet wine, equally at ease with fine gastronomy or a moment of contemplation, with a caressing texture and an admirably persistent finish.

Assemblage et vinification

Made from a blend where Sémillon plays the leading role, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Muscadelle, this Sauternes draws its nobility from the natural concentration of the berries and the subtlety of their botrytization. Vinification combines precision and respect for the fruit, with production carried out at 50% in tanks to preserve aromatic purity, and 50% in barrels to bring texture and complexity. The 18 months ageing in used oak barrels refines the material without stamping it, sculpting silky contours and a subtly vanilla thread. This approach, inherited from Château Rieussec's know-how, gives the Carmes de Rieussec exemplary clarity, a harmony between opulence and tension, and a signature where the terroir and the brilliance of the 2010 vintage are clearly perceived.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour : Shimmering pale gold, clear and radiant, with warm highlights evoking apricot flesh and the sunny landscapes of Sauternes. The brightness announces generous, perfectly controlled material.
• Nose : Intense and nuanced, it opens on candied exotic fruits such as pineapple, mango and yellow peach, joined by apricot, mandarin and a fine touch of lemon zest. Honeyed notes, delicate vanilla and white flowers complete a bouquet of great purity, both generous and airy.
• Palate : A caressing attack, creamy and enveloping texture, the wine unfolds a harmonious density carried by a precise acidity that lengthens the profile. Echoes of candied citrus, light honey and orchard fruits interweave, the finish stretches out brightly, flavorful and persistent.

Température de service et conseils

To reveal all its radiance, serve the Carmes de Rieussec 2010 between 8 and 10°C in white wine glasses with a generous bowl that promote aromatic expression without weighing down the texture. A few minutes of airing before serving allows honeyed nuances and candied fruits to open up fully. This half bottle is perfect for an intimate moment, an elegant end to a meal or a carefully considered pairing with a characterful starter. Stored on its side, protected from light and temperature fluctuations, this Sauternes has an ageing potential of 20 to 30 years, during which it will gain complexity, gradually revealing notes of gentle spices, dried fruits and beeswax.

Accords mets et vin

• Aperitif : lightly cooked foie gras, brioche toasts with dried fruits, fig-and-walnut canapés that call for its luminous sweetness and lively freshness.
• Starters : vanilla pumpkin velouté, roasted langoustines with citrus, scallop tartare with lemon zest.
• Main courses : free-range poultry in a cream-lemon sauce, veal with morels, Asian-inspired dishes with mild spices and yellow fruits.
• Cheeses : characterful blues such as Roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert or Stilton, whose saltiness balances perfectly with the wine's liqueur.
• Desserts : thin apricot tart, roasted pineapple, candied citrus, pavlova with exotic fruits, delicately vanilla crème brûlée.

Moments de dégustation

The Carmes de Rieussec 2010 is the ideal companion:

• To enhance a gourmet dinner where attention to detail meets the grace of a great sweet wine.
• At an intimate celebration where the half bottle elevates the moment without excess.
• As a gift for an enthusiast, a signature for a palate curious about silky textures and radiant finishes.

Caractéristiques

• Name : Carmes de Rieussec 2010 - 37,5cl - Second wine - Sauternes AOC
• Appellation : Sauternes AOC
• Type : Sweet wine
• Vintage : 2010
• Grape varieties : Sémillon 92%, Sauvignon Blanc 5%, Muscadelle 3%
• Alcohol : about 14% vol
• Ageing : 18 months in used barrels, vinification 50% tanks, 50% barrels
• Volume : 37,5 cl
• Cellaring : 20 to 30 years
• Serving temperature : 8–10°C