Château d'Yquem

French wine estate in Sauternes, Bordeaux

Château d'Yquem logo

Château d'Yquem is a renowned wine estate located in the Sauternes region of the Bordeaux wine district in France. It is celebrated for producing some of the world's finest and most expensive sweet wines. The estate has a long and storied history, with its wines being highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

History

The history of Château d'Yquem dates back to the late 16th century when the estate was acquired by the Sauvage family. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands several times, eventually coming under the ownership of the Lur-Saluces family in 1785. Under their stewardship, Château d'Yquem gained international acclaim for its exceptional wines.

During the French Revolution, the estate was confiscated but later returned to the Lur-Saluces family. In the 19th century, Château d'Yquem was classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the only Sauternes estate to receive this distinction.

Vineyards

Overview of vineyards of Château d’Yquem, Sauternes

The vineyards of Château d'Yquem cover approximately 113 hectares, with a unique terroir that contributes to the distinctive character of its wines. The soil is a combination of gravel, clay, and limestone, which provides excellent drainage and mineral content. The vineyard is planted primarily with Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are essential for producing the estate's signature sweet wines.

The microclimate of the region, characterized by morning mists and warm afternoons, encourages the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, which is crucial for concentrating the sugars and flavors in the grapes.

Winemaking

The winemaking process at Château d'Yquem is meticulous and labor-intensive. Harvesting is done by hand, with multiple passes through the vineyard to select only the grapes affected by noble rot. This selective harvesting can take several weeks to complete.

Once harvested, the grapes are gently pressed, and the juice is fermented in oak barrels. The wine is aged for up to three years in new oak barrels, during which time it develops its complex flavors and aromas. The final product is a rich, golden wine with notes of honey, apricot, and spice.

Notable Vintages

A bottle of 1973 Château d'Yquem

Château d'Yquem is known for producing wines that can age for decades, if not centuries. Some of the most notable vintages include 1811, 1847, 1921, 1945, 1967, 1975, and 2001. These wines are highly prized for their complexity, balance, and longevity.

Aged 1945 Château d’Yquem, Sauternes with color change

The 1945 vintage, for example, is celebrated for its remarkable depth and concentration, while the 2001 vintage is often cited as one of the greatest wines of the modern era.

Ownership and Management

In 1999, the Lur-Saluces family sold a majority stake in Château d'Yquem to the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Despite the change in ownership, the estate has continued to produce wines of exceptional quality under the management of Pierre Lurton, who also oversees Château Cheval Blanc.

Related Pages

• Sauternes (wine)
• Bordeaux wine
• Botrytis cinerea
• LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton