Château Rieussec

In the 18th century, the winery belonged to the Carmelite monks. After the French Revolution it changed several owners. The important year was 1984, when it was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Subsequent investments in production and plantations significantly increase the quality. The vines have an average age of 25 years. They are planted with 90% Semillon 7% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscadelle on soil of gravel, sand, clay, and limestone. Like most major Bordeaux growers in Sauternes, the harvest is done in stages and can take 6 to 8 weeks. This is determined by the degree of maturity and the amount of botrytis (noble mold) on the grapes. Sorting takes place in the field, not in the winery. Since 1997, all vinification is carried out in barrels of French oak in small batches.