Carmes de Rieussec Sauternes

Carmes de Rieussec is the dry sibling of the famous Château Rieussec – not a sweet wine, but a bone-dry white wine from the heart of Sauternes. Anyone who thinks Sauternes can only produce sweet wines will be pleasantly surprised.

Château Rieussec has been part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) since 1984 and is located directly next to Château d'Yquem on the siliceous limestone and sandy soils of Fargues. The grapes for Carmes de Rieussec – predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, complemented by Sémillon – grow on plots that are not selected for botrytis harvesting. The result is a distinctive, handcrafted white wine aged in oak, which reflects the terroir of this exceptional site.

On the nose, it initially displays cool minerality: hot stone, dry grass after the rain. Then it opens up to fresh apricot and white blossoms. On the palate, citrus dominates – lemon zest, a hint of grapefruit – supported by lively acidity and oak aging that has fully integrated, giving the wine depth without heaviness.

Serving temperature 10–12 °C. Pairs well with lobster with butter sauce, grilled sea bass, goat cheese, or a classic chicken roast. Drinking window: now until 2028.