Description

Classified as a First Growth in 1855. Rieussec is one of the biggest estates of Sauternes with 227 acres of vines, situated on the “communes” of Sauternes and Fargues, high above the Garonne River, in a small area where the cold Autumn dawns help form the famous mist. It is this mist which many believe plays a major role in the development of botrytis cinerea (noble rot). Château Rieussec is located in Fargues (adjacent to Château d’Yquem). In the 18th century, the Rieussec estate belonged to the Carmes de Langon monks. Sold as a “national inheritance” after the French Revolution, Rieussec experienced several changes of owners before being acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in 1984. Since then, meticulous plot selection and important innovative methods have been used in the cellars to enhance quality. Château de Cosse, the second label to Château Rieussec, selected from barrels with the same base as the “Grand Vin”. Its characteristics are very similar to the “Grand Vin”, but with shorter ageing in barrels. The wine may be enjoyed at a younger age than its counterpart, and possesses the typical characteristics of a fine Sauternes.