Rieussec, Chateau
Summary
Château Rieussec, an 84-hectare First Growth Sauternes estate in Fargues bordering Château d'Yquem, produces noble sweet wines from limestone-clay soils using predominantly Sémillon (90%) with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The estate, owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild since 1984, maintains traditional Sauternes methods with multiple selective harvests and 18-24 months aging in French oak, while implementing modern precision in both vineyard management and winemaking.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Rieussec stands as one of the original First Growth properties from the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac. The estate changed hands several times throughout its history before Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired ownership in 1984, marking the beginning of significant technical investments and quality initiatives. The 84-hectare estate sits in the commune of Fargues, sharing a border with the legendary Château d'Yquem.
Vineyards & Wines
The Rieussec vineyard spans 84 hectares of limestone-clay soils atop limestone bedrock at an elevation of 78 meters. The vineyard composition reflects traditional Sauternes plantings with 90% Sémillon, 7% Sauvignon Blanc, and 3% Muscadelle. The average vine age is 25 years, with systematic replanting maintaining optimal vine health and fruit quality. The estate's position and soil composition provide ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis cinerea, essential for Sauternes production.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Rieussec follows traditional Sauternes methods, beginning with multiple selective harvests as noble rot develops across the vineyard. After pressing, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats. The grand vin ages for 18-24 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak integration. The estate maintains a strict selection process, producing both a grand vin and a second wine, Carmes de Rieussec. Each vintage requires specific adaptation to botrytis development patterns, with picking decisions based on precise ripeness and noble rot progression.