Château d'Yquem
Château d'Yquem is the only Sauternes estate to hold the Premier Cru Supérieur classification, renowned for its sweet wines from botrytis grapes and exceptional quality.
Château d'Yquem is the only Sauternes estate to hold the Premier Cru Supérieur classification, renowned for its sweet wines from botrytis grapes and exceptional quality.
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Château d'Yquem is Sauternes' most prestigious winery, the only one to be classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855. The estate is renowned for the exceptional quality of its sweet white wines, produced from grapes affected by noble rot ( botrytis cinerea ). The question of what gives d'Yquem its unique position is often asked. The answer lies in extreme selection, very low yields, and a tradition that has revolved around precision and craftsmanship for centuries.
Origin and history
Château d'Yquem is located in the heart of Sauternes , in the southern part of Bordeaux. The estate has a history dating back to the 16th century and developed into the absolute benchmark for sweet wine in the 19th century. The 1855 classification confirmed this status by placing d'Yquem above all other Sauternes producers as the only Premier Cru Supérieur .
In 2019, Château d'Yquem left the Syndicat Viticole de Sauternes et Barsac , the producers' association representing the appellation. The château thus distanced itself from the appellation's organizational structure, while officially remaining within the AOC Sauternes. This decision emphasizes the estate's independent position within the region.
The vineyards and grapes
The vineyards of Château d'Yquem consist primarily of Sémillon , supplemented with Sauvignon Blanc . Sémillon plays a leading role due to its thin skin and susceptibility to botrytis. Its location on a high plateau with excellent drainage and varied soil structures contributes to the depth and complexity of the wine.
Sauternes' microclimate of morning mist and sunny afternoons creates ideal conditions for noble rot. At d'Yquem, this leads to intense concentration and a very low yield per hectare every year.
How is Château d'Yquem made?
Château d'Yquem's production is extremely selective. Pickers make multiple passes through the vineyard, taking only grapes that have developed the right level of botrytis. As a result, harvests can take weeks, and yields vary considerably.
After manual selection, the grapes are gently pressed and a long, temperature-controlled fermentation follows. The wine then ages in oak for 20 to 36 months. Each step focuses on achieving a balance between sweetness, acidity, and aromatic intensity. The result is a wine that can age for decades and continues to evolve.
Style and flavor profile
Château d'Yquem is known for layers of honey, apricot, citrus, saffron, flowers, and fine herbs. The balance between high residual sugar and robust acidity never makes the wine heavy or ponderous. Even in warm years, the freshness remains a defining characteristic of the style. Older bottles often reveal caramel, dried fruit, wax, smoke, and spicy complexity.
Why is Château d'Yquem unique?
The combination of history, terroir, working methods, and timeless consistency makes the estate unique. The extremely low yields and extended aging ensure a quality that sets the standard worldwide. D'Yquem is considered not only the pinnacle of Sauternes, but one of the most exceptional wines in the world.
Château d'Yquem
Château d'Yquem is the only Sauternes estate to hold the Premier Cru Supérieur classification, renowned for its sweet wines from botrytis grapes and exceptional quality.
Château d'Yquem is Sauternes' most prestigious winery, the only one to be classified as a Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855. The estate is renowned for the exceptional quality of its sweet white wines, produced from grapes affected by noble rot ( botrytis cinerea ). The question of what gives d'Yquem its unique position is often asked. The answer lies in extreme selection, very low yields, and a tradition that has revolved around precision and craftsmanship for centuries.
Origin and history
Château d'Yquem is located in the heart of Sauternes , in the southern part of Bordeaux. The estate has a history dating back to the 16th century and developed into the absolute benchmark for sweet wine in the 19th century. The 1855 classification confirmed this status by placing d'Yquem above all other Sauternes producers as the only Premier Cru Supérieur .
In 2019, Château d'Yquem left the Syndicat Viticole de Sauternes et Barsac , the producers' association representing the appellation. The château thus distanced itself from the appellation's organizational structure, while officially remaining within the AOC Sauternes. This decision emphasizes the estate's independent position within the region.
The vineyards and grapes
The vineyards of Château d'Yquem consist primarily of Sémillon , supplemented with Sauvignon Blanc . Sémillon plays a leading role due to its thin skin and susceptibility to botrytis. Its location on a high plateau with excellent drainage and varied soil structures contributes to the depth and complexity of the wine.
Sauternes' microclimate of morning mist and sunny afternoons creates ideal conditions for noble rot. At d'Yquem, this leads to intense concentration and a very low yield per hectare every year.
How is Château d'Yquem made?
Château d'Yquem's production is extremely selective. Pickers make multiple passes through the vineyard, taking only grapes that have developed the right level of botrytis. As a result, harvests can take weeks, and yields vary considerably.
After manual selection, the grapes are gently pressed and a long, temperature-controlled fermentation follows. The wine then ages in oak for 20 to 36 months. Each step focuses on achieving a balance between sweetness, acidity, and aromatic intensity. The result is a wine that can age for decades and continues to evolve.
Style and flavor profile
Château d'Yquem is known for layers of honey, apricot, citrus, saffron, flowers, and fine herbs. The balance between high residual sugar and robust acidity never makes the wine heavy or ponderous. Even in warm years, the freshness remains a defining characteristic of the style. Older bottles often reveal caramel, dried fruit, wax, smoke, and spicy complexity.
Why is Château d'Yquem unique?
The combination of history, terroir, working methods, and timeless consistency makes the estate unique. The extremely low yields and extended aging ensure a quality that sets the standard worldwide. D'Yquem is considered not only the pinnacle of Sauternes, but one of the most exceptional wines in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grapes does Château d'Yquem use?
The wine consists mainly of Sémillon, supplemented with Sauvignon Blanc.
How long can Château d'Yquem mature?
D'Yquem is known for its exceptional longevity and can develop effortlessly for decades.
Why did Château d'Yquem leave the producers' association?
In 2019, d'Yquem left the producer syndicate, but it remained part of the AOC Sauternes.
What characterizes the style of Château d'Yquem?
Intensely concentrated sweetness, high acidity, layers of honey, fruit and spice, and rare ageing potential.
