Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes 2016, 375ml

Wine Type: Still, sweet white

Grape(s): 89% Sémillon, 9% Muscadelle, 2% Sauvignon Blanc

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 14%

Tasting Notes: A subtle note of pineapple, but then classic dried fruits steeped in delicate honey and citrus. Plenty of ripe fresh acidity backing this richly fruited wine to give balance and some lovely freshness. 

Winemaking: Sauternes wines are made using grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea. Also known as "noble rot", Botrytis is a beneficial fungus that thrives in humid conditions, typically in late harvest seasons, where if punctures grape skins and allows water to evaporate, concentrating sugars and flavours. This results in sweet, complex wines with rich flavours such as honey, dried fruit, and spices. While Botrytis can be detrimental in some cases, when controlled and harvested at the right time, it produces some of the world's most renowned dessert wines.

Fermentation takes place in barrels from Domaines Barons de Rothschild's own cooperage. Ageing is 18 to 26 months depending on the year, including 55% in new barrels.