Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 1er Grand Cru Classé 2020
Tasting notes
Fresh, expressive nose. The initial nose reveals fruity notes of quince jelly and tangerine zest. Secondary aromas develop of everlasting flowers, reminding us of the heat during the vintage. Oaky, lightly roasted notes are well integrated and remain in the background.
On the palate, the attack brings the freshness of candied citrus fruit. The mid-palate is full and generous with notes of patisserie reminiscent of rhubarb tart. The wine’s mineral character comes through with some scents of fresh peat. The finish offers more oaky, lightly roasted notes, evoking a well-balanced brown butter.
The grapes were harvested by hand in small crates and refrigerated before pressing to reduce oxidation. Pressing is gentle so as to preserve the grapes’ aromatic freshness. After a resting phase, the Sémillon must is transferred to new oak barrels for alcoholic fermentation, while the Sauvignon must is generally left in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation. At the end of the fermentation process, the wine in barrels is aged on the lees for six months with regular stirring. After racking, the Sauvignon is aged in vats to preserve its aromatic qualities.
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Varietal Composition | Sémillon 92%, Sauvignon Blanc 8% |
| Appellation | Sauternes |
| Designation | AOC |
| Sugar | 124 g/L |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | FRANCE |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
