Heir to a tradition that shaped the legend of Bordeaux's great sweet wines, the Château Rieussec 2019, 1er Cru Classé of Sauternes AOC, stands as a brilliant chapter in the library of age-worthy wines. In this vintage, both generous and structured, the cuvée marries aromatic intensity with a savoury backbone, featuring the distinctive radiance of great terroir Sémillons. Its creamy texture, balanced by citrus energy and a hint of salinity, composes a tasting score where the light of botrytis meets the precision of careful élevage. It is a wine to share, designed to enhance a refined table, to offer a moment of voluptuousness without weight, and to punctuate a gastronomic meal with panache. Under the stewardship of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild, Rieussec in 2019 reveals an expression of sovereign clarity, guided by controlled ageing and a finely tuned reading of the vineyard.

Assemblage et vinification

The framework of Château Rieussec 2019 is built around a blend dominated by Sémillon (89%), complemented by Sauvignon Blanc (9%) and a touch of Muscadelle (2%). The estate's clay-gravel terroir, spread over an extensive parcel mosaic, permits progressive ripening and an aromatic expression of great purity. Harvested at perfect concentration under the influence of noble rot, the juices are both dense and luminous. The ageing in barriques, carried out between 16 and 26 months depending on the lots, softens edges and sculpts the material without overpowering it, while preserving the intrinsic freshness of candied fruit and citrus. This patient approach, attentive to the vintage's breath, gives the 2019 this signature where immediate charm is paired with exemplary straightness.

Notes de dégustation

• Appearance : Pale gold with green highlights, clear and bright, announcing a pronounced tension behind the creaminess.
• Nose : Intense fresh and candied citrus, memories of lemon tart, followed by toasted brioche and fine vanilla notes from the élevage.
• Palate : Broad, caressing attack, a core of candied exotic fruits, vibrant acidity and a saline filigree, extended by a persistent finish with noble bitterness.

Température de service et conseils

Serve Château Rieussec 2019 at 8°C to reveal the aromatic layers that open with air while maintaining precision. A cool service highlights the citrus brightness, refines the perceived sweetness and brings the saline thread into relief. Open the bottle a few minutes before tasting to let the bouquet fully develop. Store it away from light, lying down, in a cool, humid cellar to preserve the wine's integrity and the delicacy of its aromas. This Sauternes combines generosity with structure and will age gracefully under proper cellar conditions.

Accords mets et vin

• Foie gras : classic terrine or pan-seared foie gras, where the wine's silkiness dialogues with citrus tension.
• Seafood starters : roasted langoustines, lightly seared Saint-Jacques, for an iodised and luminous pairing.
• Poultry dishes : poularde en demi-deuil with reduced jus, where the dish's richness calls for the wine's precision.
• Cheeses : robust blue cheeses, particularly Roquefort, which the Sauternes' sweetness envelops without weighing down.
• Desserts : lemon-based entremets, tarts with candied citrus, caramelised pineapple, for a bright and nuanced finale.

Moments de dégustation

Château Rieussec 2019 makes a striking appearance at moments when the table becomes a stage for measured sensations:

• To celebrate a milestone occasion where a structured sweetness is sought without indulgence.
• At the heart of a gastronomic dinner where the balance of sugar, freshness and salinity elevates every course.
• As a standout gift for a connoisseur of great sweet wines with a pronounced character.

Caractéristiques

• Name : Château Rieussec 2019, 1er Cru Classé, Sauternes AOC
• Appellation : Sauternes AOC
• Type : Sweet white wine
• Vintage : 2019
• Grapes : Sémillon 89%, Sauvignon Blanc 9%, Muscadelle 2%
• Alcohol : 14%
• Ageing : 16 to 26 months in barrels
• Bottle size : 75 cl
• Cellaring potential : long, under suitable cellar conditions
• Serving temperature : 8°C