Château Rieussec
A First Growth Sauternes estate owned since 1984 by the Rothschilds of Château Lafite, producing rich, golden botrytized Sémillon-led sweet wine.
About Château
Château Rieussec is one of the great names of Sauternes, classified a Premier Cru Classé in the 1855 ranking. Its history reaches back to the 18th century, when the estate belonged to the Carmelite monks of Langon; confiscated during the Revolution, it was sold around 1790 to the Marheilhac family and passed through many hands before Domaines Barons de Rothschild — owners of Château Lafite Rothschild — acquired it in 1984. The Rothschilds invested in a new cellar in 1989 and tightened selection, raising quality through the 1990s. Sitting on high ground near Château d'Yquem, the large vineyard is dominated by Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Muscadelle. Botrytis-affected grapes are harvested in successive passes to make a concentrated, honeyed sweet wine of marmalade, apricot, and saffron, capable of long ageing. Rieussec remains a reference point for classic Sauternes.
Flagship wines
- Château Rieussec
- Carmes de Rieussec
- R de Rieussec (dry white)
Editorial notes
Pair with foie gras or Roquefort, or serve with rich blue cheeses; a benchmark Sauternes that ages for decades and offers strong value among First Growths.