Sauternes is a region celebrated for making sweet white wines, which can range from dulcet nirvana…read moreto downright cloying. Although I previously knew that I enjoyed the wine type, I didn't understand the full complexity involved in the production of this liquid gold. A visit to Château Rieussec provided me with a thorough explanation and a knowledge of what it takes to produce such a magnificent bottle of wine.
Having made reservations in advance for an English speaking tour, we were warmly greeted in the reception area and then we were directed to the tasting room to wait for our host. Considering they don't charge for the visit (which seems uncommon in the area), it is a sensational value. Unlike the tours I'm used to in the United States, there were no throngs of bachelorette parties, nor was there an easy to amble up to bar for tasting large pours of many different varietals. Instead we were treated to a private experience, given a complete look at the history of the winery, the terroir, and the process used. Since Rieussec's vineyards border the highly lauded Château d`Yquem (who does not accept visitors unless you are in the industry), they are perfectly positioned to produce the top notch wine that has earned them the title of 1er Cru Classé.
For wine lovers, it is like visiting a sacred temple, and being allowed to observe some of their rituals. I never realized how important the climate was to the wine itself, the local fog creating the perfect conditions to yield the candied grapes. There is a delicate balance to the plots selected for the grapes themselves, of which the primary grape grown is Sémillon, with a smaller percentage of Sauvignon Blanc as well. The picking process requires an eagle eye and multiple pickings to ensure the right balance and the highest quality in the wine. Then there are many other details that I would never have considered, all of which are necessary to create a bottle that meets their stringent guidelines.
Truly we felt honored to be able to receive such an in depth look at region, and steps required to create a bottle of Château Rieussec's wine. Our host was gracious to and full of interesting information. At the end of our tour we were given some of the wine to sample, enjoying the smooth complexity as notes of honeysuckle, peach, and lychee made their way through. I only wish we had a block of blue cheese with us at the time to pair it with! I cannot recommend a visit enthusiastically enough, it is without doubt, a must for any wine lover.
