Château d'Yquem
Château d’Yquem is a testament to the depth and versatility that the Bordeaux region represents. While the other regions in the area may be more easily compared to other wine regions worldwide, Sauternes, with its sweet wines, is in a category of its own. Here, the "liquid gold" is created, and at Château d’Yquem, you find the rarest and ultimate of its kind.
History of Château d’Yquem
The story of Château d’Yquem began in 1593 when Jacques Sauvage took over the land and started the construction of the d’Yquem castle on the property. Ownership changed hands several times over the next centuries.
Here are some milestones in the castle's history:
1593: Jacques Sauvage founds Château d'Yquem.
1711: François Amable de Bernisson buys the property, and it remains in the Bernisson family for many years.
1784: The first documented vintage of Château d'Yquem wine.
1785: The castle is bought by Marquis de Lur-Saluces, remaining in the Lur-Saluces family's ownership for the next two centuries.
1855: Château d'Yquem is classified as the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the famous Bordeaux Classification of 1855.
1968: Bertrand de Lur-Saluces dies, and the family continues ownership.
1999: LVMH group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) acquires Château d'Yquem and becomes part of the ownership. The relationship with Lur-Saluces is strained, and only after several lawsuits, LVMH group secures full ownership of Château d’Yquem in 2004.
2011: Château d’Yquem is often seen at wine auctions worldwide, and in 2011, it entered the Guinness World Records when a bottle of Château d’Yquem vintage 1811 was sold at auction for a staggering $123,000.
Fun Fact: Château d’Yquem served as a military hospital during both World War I and World War II.
Unmatched by Château d’Yquem
In the world of wine (and for anyone who has tasted d’Yquem), there is widespread agreement that Château d’Yquem stands a level above all other producers in Sauternes. This was also emphasized back in 1855 when the Grand Cru classification was introduced. Sauternes was the only area outside Médoc to be included in the 1855 classification. Here, 11 other Sauternes estates were made 1st Cru (premier crus), and 12 others were 2nd Cru. And what about Château d’Yquem? The castle, of course, received its very own rank of Superior Premier Cru, making it the only wine estate in all of Bordeaux to enjoy this status. Indeed, there is no equal to Château d’Yquem.
Grape Composition
The composition of grapes is the core of Château d'Yquem's exclusive taste. The Sémillon grape dominates among the varieties, bringing richness, depth, and honeyed notes, while Sauvignon Blanc adds freshness and acidity. This harmony is crucial for the sublimely balanced flavor profile and complexity.
Production Methods
The distinctive taste that characterizes the sweet wines of Sauternes is created by allowing the grapes to be infected with noble rot, also known as "Botrytis cinerea." Noble rot is a natural fungus that attacks and draws water out of the grapes, leaving them with highly concentrated juices that give the wine its characteristic sweetness and complexity.
When the cold water from the small Ciron river meets the warmer temperatures in the Garonne river, fog forms, rolling over the fields in the area and ensuring the conditions for noble rot. Château d’Yquem is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the fog effect.
Harvesting at Château d'Yquem is a key factor. The grapes are selectively harvested several times as they ripen at different times. This ensures that only perfectly ripe grapes are used, contributing to the high quality of the wine.
With noble rot present, production can begin. At Château d’Yquem, various production methods are used, including:
Selective Harvesting: Due to the selective harvesting of the grapes and the need for intact grapes, they are always handpicked. This is a time-consuming process, as workers can only pick the grapes infected with the right amount of noble rot.
Delicate Pressing: After harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the sweet must. This must be done carefully to avoid damaging the grapes and releasing too much bitterness.
Slow Fermentation: The must ferments slowly at controlled temperatures. The slow fermentation process helps preserve the natural sugars in the wine and contributes to its complex flavor profile.
Aging in Oak Barrels: After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels. This is a crucial phase where the wine has time to develop its aromas and refinement. Some barrels can be several decades old, contributing to the character and depth of the wine through micro-oxidation.
Blending: Château d'Yquem is known for its ability to blend wines from different barrels to create a consistent and harmonious taste experience. This process requires skill and a careful assessment of each wine.
Bottling: Once the wine is ready, it is bottled and sealed. Bottling marks the end of the production process and the beginning of the wine's maturation in the bottle.
Château d'Yquem's sweet wines with noble rot are the result of careful work in the vineyard and the cellar. This complex process results in wines of exceptional quality with a deep flavor profile that combines sweetness, acidity, and complexity in a truly unique way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Château d’Yquem
When enjoying the enchanting wines of Château d'Yquem, it is recommended to use the right glasses to enhance the wine's aromas and flavor nuances. Traditionally, special glasses for sweet wines like Sauternes from Château d'Yquem are used. Here are some types of glasses suitable for drinking this wine:
Tulip-shaped glasses: A tulip-shaped glass with a narrower opening and a wider bowl helps capture and concentrate the wine aromas. This glass allows you to experience the complex scents and flavor nuances that Château d'Yquem offers.
Port wine glasses: A port wine glass, also suitable for sweet wines like Château d'Yquem, has a shape that helps concentrate the aromas and directs them toward the nose while enjoying the wine.
White wine glasses: A broader white wine glass can also be a suitable option. It provides more space to unfold the wine's aromas and offers a pleasant drinking experience.
Luxury crystal glasses: To maximize the enjoyment of a wine like Château d'Yquem, consider using crystal glasses that feel lighter, more elegant, and are designed to highlight the wine's finesse and elegance.
Regardless of the glass you choose, it's essential to remember that it's about creating the best possible drinking experience. Choose a glass that allows you to capture the wine's aroma and taste in a way that appeals to your senses.
As for food pairings, Château d'Yquem wines complement a wide range of dishes. Try pairing the wine with appetizers featuring Foie Gras or delicate desserts like crème brûlée and blue cheese. Generally, the wine is perfect as the "finale" to a good meal but can also be enjoyed on its own, for example, as a chilled aperitif.
When enjoying the enchanting wines of Château d'Yquem, it is recommended to use the right glasses to enhance the wine's aromas and flavor nuances. Traditionally, special glasses for sweet wines like Sauternes from Château d'Yquem are used. Here are some types of glasses suitable for drinking this wine:
Tulip-shaped glasses: A tulip-shaped glass with a narrower opening and a wider bowl helps capture and concentrate the wine aromas. This glass allows you to experience the complex scents and flavor nuances that Château d'Yquem offers.
Port wine glasses: A port wine glass, also suitable for sweet wines like Château d'Yquem, has a shape that helps concentrate the aromas and directs them toward the nose while enjoying the wine.
White wine glasses: A broader white wine glass can also be a suitable option. It provides more space to unfold the wine's aromas and offers a pleasant drinking experience.
Luxury crystal glasses: To maximize the enjoyment of a wine like Château d'Yquem, consider using crystal glasses that feel lighter, more elegant, and are designed to highlight the wine's finesse and elegance.
Regardless of the glass you choose, it's essential to remember that it's about creating the best possible drinking experience. Choose a glass that allows you to capture the wine's aroma and taste in a way that appeals to your senses.
As for food pairings, Château d'Yquem wines complement a wide range of dishes. Try pairing the wine with appetizers featuring Foie Gras or delicate desserts like crème brûlée and blue cheese. Generally, the wine is perfect as the "finale" to a good meal but can also be enjoyed on its own, for example, as a chilled aperitif.