Heir to the know‑how of a Premier Cru Classé, the Carmes de Rieussec 2018 reveals the chiaroscuro signature of a great Sauternes, where botrytisation sculpts the material with singular grace. The second wine of Château Rieussec, a renowned neighbour of d'Yquem, it draws its identity from clay‑gravel soils punctuated by sands that provide drainage, ripeness and aromatic complexity. The 2018 vintage, with a welcoming brightness, combines fruit richness and savoury tension for a precise, silky expression without heaviness, finely edged by barrel ageing on lees. It is a wine for sharing and for connoisseurs, both approachable for its immediate charm and deeply nuanced, carrying forward in the glass the tradition of refinement of Bordeaux's great sweet wines. Ideal to enhance selected moments, it reveals, with every sip, the French art of living.

Blend and winemaking

This Sauternes relies on the historic balance of the terroir, with a Sémillon majority, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, the emblematic varieties of Bordeaux sweetness. The grapes, hand‑harvested in successive selections, are chosen only when noble rot has concentrated the berries, intensifying the aromas and refining the texture. Vinification takes place in barrels, then ageing continues on lees with bâtonnage to bring volume, depth and a remarkable tactile suppleness. A notable proportion of new barrels imparts discreet, elegant oak that never dominates. The ageing period, which can extend from 12 to 26 months depending on the vintage profile and the lots, targets a pinpoint balance between sweetness, acidity and aromatic complexity, ensuring a clear and noble expression of the Rieussec style.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Luminous gold, bright and clear, catching the light with sunlit highlights that promise richness and purity.
• Nose : A precise bouquet of apricot and candied melon, lifted by roasted pear, citrus peel, acacia honey and warm spices. Subtle vanilla‑tinged oak nuances add definition and depth.
• Palate : Fresh, lively entry, velvety mid‑palate texture, a fine liqueur that never feels heavy. The sweetness‑acidity balance carries through to a generous, zesty finish of baked pear, candied citrus, almond and a spicy note.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve between 10 and 12°C in tulip glasses to enhance the aromatic range and the precision of the texture. Open the bottle a few minutes before service to allow the structure to unfold. A short stint in a decanter, if needed, can soften youthful oak. Store in a cellar, protected from light, on its side, in a cool, steady environment. This wine has a notable cellaring potential, which will refine its notes of spice, candied fruit and honey over the years.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : duck foie gras, poultry terrine, lightly toasted dried fruits.
• Starters : roasted langoustines, poultry in a creamy sauce, delicate caramelised onion tart.
• Main courses : mildly spiced Asian dishes, apricot tajine, saffron risotto.
• Cheeses : blue and veined cheeses, Roquefort, Stilton, Fourme d'Ambert.
• Desserts : thin tart with candied citrus, honey‑poached peach, almond shortbread.

Moments to enjoy

The Carmes de Rieussec 2018 is the ideal companion:

• For a festive dinner where elegant pairings echo special moments.
• At a blind tasting to introduce or surprise lovers of fine wines.
• As a distinguished gift that celebrates the tradition of Bordeaux's great sweet wines.

Characteristics

• Name : Carmes de Rieussec 2018
• Appellation : Sauternes AOC
• Type : Sweet white wine
• Vintage : 2018
• Grape varieties : Sémillon majority, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle
• Residual sugar : 89 g/L
• Winemaking and ageing : fermentations and ageing in barrels, on lees with bâtonnage, notable proportion of new barrels
• Origin : Bordeaux, France
• Bottle size : 75 cl
• Louvins reference : CAV-VBLANC-CARMES-RIEUSSEC-2018