A little over a year ago , the world of Rieussec and the vision of Sauternes were reshaped with a new bottle and the addition in June of R de Rieussec , a dry white wine . As Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite continues the transformation of this Grand Cru Classé , it is now launching a new bottle for Carmes de Rieussec .
Reinventing the codes of Sauternes and changing the way it is consumed is a project to which Rieussec is committed , as it pursues a more environmentally friendly approach . This is achieved , above all , through conversion to organic agriculture and the preservation of the natural resources used in this endeavour . This transition was completed early this year with the arrival of Mathieu Crosnier as Director of Operations . " It is a pleasure to join the team at Rieussec , a prestigious and contemporary Grand Cru Classé , and to be able to work on an appellation as mythical and magical as Sauternes ,» said Mathieu Crosnier . This approach is in line with everything that has been undertaken for several years by DBR Lafite . With a more accessible price than that of Château Rieussec , Carmes will be available at contemporary bistros by the glass or as an aperitif . " With Carmes , we have sought to continue to translate the ambitious environmental work we do in the vineyard into our bottle . But the objective is also to be able to convey its message to as many people as possible : that of a light-hearted , unpretentious wine , perfect for every occasion , that will prove -even to the most die-hard sceptics- that opening a bottle of Sauternes brings joy every time ," explains Saskia de Rothschild .
A MORE CONTEMPORARY BOTTLE
Now favouring opaque glass and following the lead of Château Rieussec , the new bottle breaks away from the transparency and gilding of the traditional style used until now by Sauternes . The bottles have so much confidence in their contents that they do not need to reveal what ' s inside . They remind us that a Rieussec is to be observed almost as much as it is to be savoured . They protect the wine so that it reveals all its attributes during tasting . Made from Post-Consumer Recycled ( PCR ) glass that has been recovered and reprocessed , our bottles proudly show off their imperfections . They are charming , solid , made to last , and pay tribute to the environment . As with all the property ' s bottles , they come with a drop stop ring .
TASTING NOTES The nose is subtle , with an initial minerality , with notes of hot stone and dry grass after the storm . This is followed by fruity notes of fresh apricot and some white flowers .
On the nose and palate , we are guided by a Sauvignon aroma ( 39 % Sauvignon Blanc in the blend ) with a light lemony feel and plenty of freshness on the palate .
The confit is discreet , the wood very well integrated , giving life to a chiselled wine to which we want to return .
THE 2021 VINTAGE
" The new bottle of Carmes de Rieussec , tall and slim , is simply perfect to highlight the mineral character , subtlety , elegance , and delicious sweetness of this 2021 vintage ," explained Olivier Trégoat , Technical Director .
A fine representative of Sauternes , it is a wine that can be kept for the future or enjoyed right away . Once thing is certain , each stage of its evolution is as surprising as the previous one . No need for special occasions , it marries a thousand flavours , from noon to midnight . Kept in a cool place once opened , it can be enjoyed for several weeks without deteriorating . It ' s a lively , playful wine . And if the Chateau takes the role of the King , then Carmes is the court jester . Unpredictable and joyful , it does not forget the nobility of its origins .
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Varietals : Seḿillon 61 %, Sauvignon blanc 39 %
Alcohol content : 13.6 ABV pH : 3.6 Total acidity : 3.8 g / l Residual Sugar : 98 g / l
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 53