Chateau D’Yquem

Nestled in the prestigious Sauternes district of Bordeaux, Château d’Yquem stands as the paragon of excellence in dessert wine production. Renowned as the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Classification, this historic estate has been crafting what is arguably the world’s most famous dessert wine since the late 1500s.

The vineyards of Château d’Yquem sprawl across 103 hectares, gracing the highest hill in Sauternes. Once owned by the King of England in the Middle Ages, the estate’s legacy is deeply rooted in the art of late-harvest winemaking. The terroir, characterized by a warm, dry topsoil of pebbles and coarse gravel overlaying a clay subsoil, provides the ideal conditions for the development of noble rot. Extensive drainage, covering approximately 60 miles, prevents waterlogging, ensuring the vines flourish in an environment conducive to producing exceptional sweet wine.

Comprising 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, the meticulously tended vineyard undergoes a rigorous selection process. A team of 150 skilled pickers meticulously traverse the vineyard, making multiple passes to harvest only fully botrytized fruit. The yields are remarkably low, producing about 900 liters per hectare, emphasizing the estate’s commitment to quality over quantity.

The winemaking process at Château d’Yquem is a symphony of precision and craftsmanship. Grapes undergo three or four pressings, with increasing pressures resulting in lower volumes but higher sugar levels. Fermentation takes place in new oak barrels, allowing for maximum control over small lots. The cellar team aims for an ideal target of 13.5% alcohol by volume, accompanied by 120 to 150 grams per liter of residual sugar, although variations occur based on sugar levels.

After six to eight months of aging, individual batches, organized by the day of picking, are assessed. A preliminary blend is made, and after an additional 24 months of aging, the barrels are re-tasted. The finest lots are then meticulously selected to create the final wine. On average, Château d’Yquem produces around 80,000 bottles annually, a testament to the estate’s unwavering commitment to quality.

Château d’Yquem’s dessert wine is a timeless masterpiece, showcasing stonefruit, mandarin, toast, and vanilla in its youth. With age, it develops rich complexity, making it a candidate for cellaring for over 50 years in exceptional vintages. Beyond its iconic dessert wine, Château d’Yquem also offers a dry Bordeaux Blanc named Y. Primarily crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, this wine, pronounced “ee-grek” in French, embodies the estate’s versatility and commitment to excellence.

The estate’s ownership, under the Lur-Saluces family from 1785 until 1999, witnessed a transition when it was acquired by LVMH. Château d’Yquem continues to be a symbol of unparalleled craftsmanship, an enduring testament to the artistry and dedication embedded in every bottle that bears its illustrious name.