Among the most seductive expressions of the Sauternes region, the Carmes de Rieussec 2012 embodies the craft of a fully realised second wine, produced by the prestigious Château Rieussec. Sourced mainly from the estate's younger vines, it captures their freshness and translates it into a luminous liqueur, vibrant and well-balanced. On the clay-sandy gravel soils at the junction of Fargues and Sauternes, this vintage reveals a charming profile nourished by patient élevage and respect for the terroir. The 2012 season, marked by climatic challenges and a late flowering, sharpened the selection, yielding a wine clear in intention with remarkable aromatic purity. In the glass, the cuvée unfolds floral and honeyed notes, where satiny sweetness meets invigorating energy. This is a bottle for those who appreciate the grace of a finely chiselled Sauternes—both voluptuous and restrained—equally at home on the table and as a testament to a refined way of life.

Assemblage et vinification

Le Carmes de Rieussec 2012 naît d’un assemblage à dominante de Sémillon (87%), soutenu par le Sauvignon Blanc (10%) et la Muscadelle (3%). Cette trilogie, emblématique de Sauternes, conjugue ampleur, éclat aromatique et délicatesse florale. La vinification, pensée pour préserver l’identité de chaque cépage, s’opère à 50% en cuves et 50% en barriques monovariétales, avant un élevage de 18 mois en barriques de réemploi. Ce choix d’élevage, tout en modération, autorise les arômes naturels du vin à se déployer sans excès boisé. La trame qui en résulte est soyeuse, précise, marquée par une liqueur pure et une acidité salutaire. Sur un terroir de graves argilo-sableuses couvrant 93 hectares, la maturité des raisins, patiemment atteinte, se lit dans la texture crémeuse et la limpidité du style. En 2012, la rigueur de tri et la maîtrise des équilibres ont guidé une élaboration d’une grande justesse, fidèle à l’élégance de la maison.

Notes de dégustation

• Robe : Golden straw with bright reflections, clear and radiant. The sheen of the disc indicates good concentration and a youthful vibrancy—promising a caressing texture and generous palate.
• Nez : Delicately floral, opening on acacia and honeysuckle, joined by accents of white flowers and light honey. With aeration, nuances of beeswax, candied orange peel and verbena add depth and freshness, in a subtly indulgent harmony.
• Bouche : Soft, creamy attack with a satiny texture structured by an accurate freshness. The mid-palate, ample without weight, unfolds honeyed and floral notes. The finish, persistent and lively, demonstrates an exemplary balance between sweetness and tension, leaving an impression of clarity and purity.

Température de service et conseils

Serve the Carmes de Rieussec 2012 between 8 and 10°C to highlight its floral bouquet and dynamic palate. A slight decant or a few minutes of airing before serving allows the honeyed notes and the delicacy of the white flowers to open gracefully. Choose medium-sized white wine glasses to channel the aromatic richness and appreciate the structuring freshness. At the table, favour dishes with creamy texture or pronounced salinity, which pair elegantly with the liqueur. Store the bottle on its side, protected from light and temperature variations, to preserve the purity of its expression. The precision of this vintage offers immediate pleasure, with remarkable poise throughout the meal.

Accords mets et vin

• Aperitifs: Semi-cooked duck foie gras on toasted brioche, light citrus jelly, toasted almonds. The wine's sweetness envelops the foie gras while the fresh finish provides the necessary lift.
• Starters: Langoustine tartare with fine herbs, scallop carpaccio with mild olive oil, endive and walnut salad. The floral thread highlights the iodized finesse and delicate bitterness of the greens.
• Main courses: Free-range poultry glazed with honey and citrus, root vegetable tagine with mild spices, lightly spiced Asian cuisine. Moderate sweetness embraces textures while freshness balances the spices.
• Cheeses: Superb with blue-veined cheeses: Roquefort, Fourme d’Ambert, Bleu d’Auvergne. The salty–sweet contrast resolves into a long, clean finish.
• Desserts: Roasted apricot tart, poached pears in honey, almond financier, shortbread with candied citrus. The liqueur embraces the fruit and reveals crystalline precision.

Moments de dégustation

The Carmes de Rieussec 2012 is the companion for chosen moments when the table becomes a stage for delicate emotions.

• To celebrate an intimate dinner for two where every detail matters, from the first scent of white flowers to the last honeyed caress.
• During a tasting among enthusiasts eager to explore the finesse of a second wine produced by a major Sauternes estate.
• As a refined gift that honours the art of living à la française—elegance, sharing and restraint.

Caractéristiques

• Nom : Carmes de Rieussec 2012
• Appellation : Sauternes AOC
• Type : Sweet white wine, second wine of Château Rieussec
• Millésime : 2012
• Cépage : Sémillon (87%), Sauvignon Blanc (10%), Muscadelle (3%)
• Degré d’alcool : 13.5%
• Vieillissement : 18 mois en barriques de réemploi, vinifications à 50% en cuves et 50% en barriques monovariétales
• Contenance : 75 cl
• Garde : To be enjoyed now, depending on cellar conditions
• Température de service : 8–10°C