Finally, in 1984, relief came in the form of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (holding company for Château Lafite-Rothschild) which purchased the property and begin a serious campaign of investment and property improvement. Today, Rieussec is considered to be one of the greatest properties in Sauternes, surpassed only by Château d’Yquem.

Where the name Rieussec derives from is unknown. However, Clive Coates, MW, postulates that it may be related to the name of the stream, Ruisseau, which borders the property (it divides Rieussec from neighbouring d’Yquem) and the fact that the brook dries out each autumn (it becomes dry, or sec). Rieussec may therefore be a contraction of these two words.

Viticulture and Vinification

Situated on one of the most elevated points in the appellation, Rieussec’s vineyards cover approximately 90 hectares, the soils of which are predominantly gravel and limestone. The plantings are comprised of Semillon (90%), Sauvignon Blanc (7%) and Muscadelle (3%). Yields are naturally low because of the dependence on the occurrence of noble rot, which concentrates the sugars, acids and flavours in the grapes. The affected grapes are hand harvested in several tries (pickings) and depending on how quickly the noble rot passes through the vineyard, harvest can last as long as 6-8 weeks. This selection process is so strict, such that if it is determined that the year’s crop is sub-par, the Château will not produce wine in that particular vintage.

All of the fermentation is carried out in oak barrels which are separated by individual vineyard parcel. Each of these parcels is then tasted individually before the decision is made as to whether or not they will be included in the Grand Vin. The wine is then matured in barrel (of which up to 50% are new each year) for up to 26 months. The wine is racked periodically during this time and it is lightly filtered prior to bottling.

Carmes de Rieussec (named after the monks who once owned the estate) is the property’s second wine and it is aged for 18 months in barrels.

“R” de Rieussec is a dry white produced from the Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that did not reach the level of botrytis required for either the Grand Vin or second wine.

Château de Cosse is a more youthful style of Sauternes that undergoes a shorter period of ageing in barrels and is meant for drinking earlier. Maturation is 16-18 months in two year old barrels.

Classification

• Château Rieussec – Premier Cru Classé 1855 Classification

Varieties

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle.

Wines Produced

• Château Rieussec - Grand Vin
• La Dame de Rieussec - Second Wine
• Château de Cosse - Third Wine
• "R" de Rieussec - Dry White

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