Château Rieussec: Vineyards
As I have already pointed out the vineyards of Château Rieussec occupy one of the highest points in Sauternes after those of Château d’Yquem which are close by, to the west. Most of the vines surround the château on this rise but there are also some Rieussec vines further to the east, near Château de Fargues. Although what the Rothschilds acquired in 1984 included only 68 hectares of vines (on an estate that then accounted for 110 hectares), today in its entirety the estate covers 137 hectares of which approximately 85 hectares are planted up, the rise having been achieved through a mix of vineyard acquisitions, some vines purchased outright and some rented.
The soils underfoot are a mix of gravel and sand, over a deeper clay, although on the more lowly sites the clay is more predominant and the gravel layer somewhat thinner. The predominance of clay means the soils tend towards heaviness and excessive water retention in places, and where this has been a problem field drains have been installed. The vines are predominantly Semillon, at 85% of the vineyards, with 13% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The planting density is 7,400 vines per hectare. Work among the vines is overseen by vineyard manager Jean de Roquefeuil, who I think has been working here for as long as I have been drinking the wine, and probably much longer.
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