Wines Sauternes Château Rieussec - Carmes de Rieussec - 2015

Château Rieussec’s Carmes de Rieussec 2015 is a fine example of Sauternes' hallmark sweet white wines. Predominantly crafted from Sémillon, with proportions of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, this cuvée draws richness and complexity from vines established on gravelly soil overlaying a clay substrate—an ideal terroir for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which concentrates the grapes’ sugars and imparts Sauternes’ unique character. The 2015 vintage enjoyed plenty of warmth and sunshine, supporting healthy ripening and allowing the botrytis to develop richly. Fermentation and subsequent maturation in oak barrels imbue the wine with further complexity, yielding luscious intensities of honey, apricot, candied citrus, and a touch of fresh ginger, balanced by a vibrant acidity that keeps the palate fresh.

Sauternes is nestled in the southwest of Bordeaux, by the Garonne and Ciron rivers. The peculiar microclimate here, forged by morning mists and afternoon sunshine, is essential to the formation of noble rot; without this, Sauternes could not achieve its iconic style. The gravel and clay soils provide excellent drainage and help concentrate the intricate flavours of the wine. Sauternes has an illustrious reputation, with estates like Château Rieussec at the forefront of sweet wine production since the 18th century, often rivalled only by Château d’Yquem.

Pairing Carmes de Rieussec makes for a memorable gastronomic experience. Classic accompaniments include blue cheeses such as Roquefort, which soften against the wine’s opulence, or poultry with rich, fruity sauces. Foie gras is a regional favourite, its unctuous texture and subtlety harmonising beautifully with the wine’s sweetness and acidity. For desserts, consider tarte Tatin or a simple almond and apricot tart. The wine also pairs well with lightly spiced Asian cuisine, where sweetness and freshness counterbalance heat and aromatic flavours.

Best served chilled, between 8-10°C, this Sauternes can be appreciated young for its vibrancy and exotic fruit character or cellared to develop greater notes of marmalade and caramel. Serve in fine white wine glasses to showcase its aromatic intensity, and allow it to breathe for a few minutes in the glass to reveal its full complexity.