History
Chateau Rieussec, a Premier Cru Classé in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, has a rich and varied history. Founded by the Carmelite monks in the 18th century, the estate was confiscated during the French Revolution and sold at auction to Jean-Baptiste Marheilhac in about 1790. Marheilhac also owned Chateau La Louviere in Léognan, another estate confiscated from monks. The property changed hands several times, including ownership by the Mayne family at the time of the 1855 classification, when it was named a first growth.
After the Mayne family, Rieussec passed through various owners such as Charles Crepin, Paul Defolie, and Edgar Bannel. The Gasqueton family, who also owned Chateau Calon-Ségur, owned Rieussec from the early 20th century until Albert Vuillier acquired it in 1971. In 1984, Domaines Barons de Rothschild, the owners of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, purchased Rieussec and invested in a new cellar in 1989 to enhance quality by better grape selection, leading to reduced production in the 1990s. This period also saw significant recognition, including Chateau Rieussec 2001 being named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2004.
Terroir
Chateau Rieussec is situated in the Sauternes appellation, known for its unique terroir. The vineyard spans across 93 hectares, with the soils primarily consisting of a mix of gravel and sand layered over deeper clay. This combination of soil types contributes to the terroir's complexity, with the gravel and sand providing good drainage and the clay retaining moisture, which is crucial for the development of the Sauternes' characteristic botrytis. The vineyard's elevation, reaching 78 meters at its peak, places it among the highest in the appellation, similar to Chateau d’Yquem. This high elevation, along with the varied soil composition, contributes to the wine's depth and concentration.
