In the bright light of the Sauternes region, the Carmes de Rieussec 2022 stands as an ode to restrained sweetness. Sourced from the finest plots surrounding the prestigious Château Rieussec, Premier Cru Classé 1855, this second wine pays tribute to the Carmelite monks, historical custodians of these gravel and sandy soils where morning mist encourages the development of botrytis. The 2022 vintage, harvested late at noble maturity, offers a sunlit expression, sculpted by meticulous winemaking and an ageing of 12 months in barrels. Its simple and rare promise is to deliver a dessert wine that never feels heavy, a chiaroscuro nectar where sweetness is balanced by a quivering freshness. At the table, it complements contemporary cuisine as well as French tradition, enhancing the pleasure of the moment without overpowering it.

Blend and vinification

This classically inspired Sauternes draws its personality from a blend dominated by Sémillon, the appellation's principal variety, enlivened by the vivacity of Sauvignon Blanc and the floral hints of Muscadelle. The harvests, carried out in successive selections, pick only berries touched by noble rot, concentrating aromas, natural sugar and balancing acidity. After careful pressing, fermentation is conducted under close supervision, then an ageing of 12 months in barrels polishes the structure, bringing a silky texture and discreet oak. Nothing is left to chance, from the selection of lots to the final blend, to preserve the pure expression of the vintage and the Rieussec house signature, between precision, depth and aromatic clarity.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : Light gold with straw highlights, bright, crossed by a luminous halo. Slow tears herald a generous texture without heaviness.
• Nose : An expressive bouquet of acacia honey, candied apricot and white flowers, lifted by a touch of candied citrus and bitter orange. A fine, integrated oak note weaves with an airy minerality.
• Palate : A caressing attack, a broad and precise mid-palate, where sweetness is edged with lemony liveliness. Cooked white fruit and fresh apricot converse with a pure, long and luminous finish of irresistible sapidity.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve Carmes de Rieussec 2022 chilled, not ice-cold, in tulip glasses that will encourage the bouquet to rise. A short aeration helps open its nuances of gentle spice and ripe fruit. Store bottles quietly, away from light, on their sides to preserve the wine's integrity. At the table, prefer a measured service to accompany the progression from savoury to sweet courses without rushing the tasting.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : semi-cooked foie gras on toasted brioche, thin slices of Iberian ham, citrus-marinated shrimp bites.
• Starters : scallop carpaccio, poached lobster, sea bream tartare with yuzu, crab salads with fresh herbs.
• Main courses : free-range poultry lacquered with Asian inspiration, caramelised pork, mildly spicy Thai dishes, langoustines roasted in lemon butter.
• Cheeses : fresh goat, tender sheep's cheese, mild tomme with milky notes, served with yellow fruits.
• Desserts : thin apricot tart, French toast with candied citrus, honey-roasted peach, almond shortbread.

Occasions

Carmes de Rieussec 2022 slips gracefully into chosen moments, whether intimate or celebrated in large company. It accompanies conversation, highlights dishes with tact and embodies a way of living where every detail matters.

• To elevate a festive dinner and open the culinary scene on a sunny note.
• At a sweet-and-savory brunch, echoing yellow fruits and melting textures.
• As a refined gift for lovers of precise, luminous sweet wines.

Characteristics

• Name : Carmes de Rieussec 2022
• Appellation : Sauternes AOC
• Type : Sweet wine
• Vintage : 2022
• Grape varieties : Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
• Alcohol : 13.5%
• Ageing : 12 months in barrels
• Volume : 75 cl
• Cellaring : Ready to enjoy now, potential to evolve with proper storage
• Serving temperature : Serve chilled, not ice-cold