Chateau Rieussec

Address: Chateau Rieussec 33210 Fargues de Langon France

Telephone: +33 (0)5 53 89 78 00

Visits: By appointment only

Details: Sauternes (commune: Fargues), 1er cru classé, 92ha, gravel and limestone

Vineyards:Sémillon 90%, Sauvignon Blanc 7%, Muscadelle 3%

History:

Here’s a major estate once owned by Carmelite monks. Scene of significant historical events it was declared a national asset (during the Revolution) but was nevertheless bought by wine trader Jean-Baptiste Mareilhac – already owner of 14th century estate La Louvière. Next buyer, M Maille, followed by Charles Crépin – and he left the estate to his son-in-law Paul Defolie. From 1892 Defolie did endeavour to develop Rieussec but it subsequently drifted into deterioration through numerous hands until its rescue in 1971 by supermarket king Albert Vuillier. He launched an upward trend added to by the Domaines Baron de Rothschild’s acquisition of a controlling share in 1984. A star was born.

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