Chateau d'YquemProducer from Bordeaux, France

Sauternes, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Great First-Growth

Chateau d'Yquem: The Finest Sweet Wine Producer

Chateau d'Yquem, located in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, is widely regarded as the best sweet wine producer in the world. It is the only estate classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Ch d'Yquem produces wines known for their unique complexity, balance, and longevity. With a history spanning over four centuries and a special terroir, Chateau d'Yquem is truly a legend in the wine world.

History of Chateau d'Yquem

The history of Chateau d'Yquem dates back to 1593 when Jacques de Sauvage, a member of a powerful family, acquired the estate. For centuries, it remained with the Sauvage family. Later, through marriage, it became part of the Lur-Saluces family, who helped build the estate's reputation for outstanding sweet wines.

The golden era for Chateau d'Yquem began in the 18th century under Françoise-Joséphine de Sauvage d'Yquem. She invested heavily in improving the vineyard and winemaking methods. Her work led to wines that were highly sought after by royalty and aristocrats across Europe. Thomas Jefferson, a wine lover and future U.S. president, visited the estate in 1787. He called Ch d'Yquem the best white wine of Bordeaux.

In 1999, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquired the estate. They brought new resources and skills to Chateau d'Yquem, while still honoring its rich history. Today, Pierre Lurton manages the estate, continuing its commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Terroir:

The terroir of Chateau d'Yquem is key to the quality of its wines. The estate has 113 hectares of vineyards on a plateau with gravel, clay, and sand over limestone. This soil mix offers excellent drainage, which is vital for developing noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This rot helps concentrate the sugars in the grapes while keeping their acidity. The result is wines that are sweet, balanced, and complex.

The vineyard has 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon has a thin skin, making it more susceptible to noble rot, which adds richness to the wine. Sauvignon Blanc brings acidity, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique Sauternes microclimate, with its misty mornings and warm afternoons, is perfect for developing noble rot. This allows Chateau d Yquem to create wines that are both powerful and elegant.

Harvesting at Chateau d'Yquem is meticulous and can take several weeks. Pickers go through the vineyard multiple times to select only the grapes affected by noble rot. This careful process, along with the low yields typical of the estate, makes their wine rare and highly prized.

Winemaking at Chateau d'Yquem

The winemaking process at Chateau d'Yquem combines tradition and precision. After the grapes are harvested, they are pressed several times to extract every drop of juice. Fermentation occurs in new French oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop its flavours over several months.

The wines are aged in oak barrels for up to 36 months. This ageing gives the wine its signature complexity and depth. The process allows flavours, including apricot, honey, and citrus, to blend with a vibrant acidity that balances the sweetness.

Chateau d'Yquem wines are known for their ability to age for decades, even centuries. With time, they reveal layers of flavour and remarkable depth. Critics like Robert Parker have praised these wines for their quality and ageing potential. The allure of Château d Yquem makes it a top choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Chateau D'Yquem winery website