Château d'Yquem
Château d'Yquem
#PROPERTY: History & Terroir
History of Château d'Yquem
The history of Château d'Yquem is an exceptional saga, spanning more than four centuries and punctuated by milestones. It reflects the passion, tenacity and commitment to excellence that have forged the reputation of the legendary wine produced by this estate.
In the Middle Ages, Château d'Yquem was owned by the Duke of Aquitaine, but when the region became part of the French crown in 1453 under the reign of Charles VII, the estate became French. However, it was only later, in 1593, that the Sauvage family entered the scene. Jacques Sauvage, a descendant of a well-known local family, obtained simple tenure rights to the estate. It was at this time that the estate's viticultural history began to take shape. The Sauvage family undertook the construction of the château and made a meticulous plot-by-plot selection to form the Yquem vineyard. The estate came under their complete control in 1711, when Jacques Sauvage's descendants were ennobled by Louis XIV and took the name Sauvage d'Yquem.
In 1785, a new milestone in the estate's history occurred when Françoise Joséphine de Sauvage d'Yquem married Count Louis Amédée de Lur-Saluces, an old Bordeaux family. After her husband's death in 1788, Françoise Joséphine, the last heiress of the de Sauvage d'Yquem family, took over the reins of the family and the estate. Despite the upheavals of the French Revolution, which even landed her in prison on two occasions, she succeeded in making the estate prosper and developing the reputation of Yquem wine.
Around 1826, Françoise Joséphine and her intendant, Garos, took the bold step of building a winery, transforming the estate into a truly modern winery. Under the management of Romain-Bertrand de Lur-Saluces, Françoise-Joséphine's grandson, Château d'Yquem gained international recognition thanks to the 1855 classification established for the Paris Universal Exhibition. From then on, the estate flourished. Yquem's fame was propelled by the purchase in 1859 of a barrel of the 1847 vintage by Grand Duke Constantine, brother of the Tsar, at the considerable price of 20,000 gold francs.
After Romain-Bertrand's death, management of the estate passed to the Marquis Amédée de Lur-Saluces, then to his brother Eugène. However, the years that followed were marked by challenges such as the phylloxera invasion and the First World War. In 1914, the château was converted into a military hospital. After serving in the trenches, Eugène's son, Marquis Bertrand de Lur-Saluces, took over management of the estate. For half a century, he embodied the philosophy of the previous owners, defending family estates, opposing chaptalization and playing a key role in determining the Sauternes AOC. He was also instrumental in setting up the bottling system at the château.
In 1966, Bertrand de Lur-Saluces, having no children of his own, appointed Alexandre de Lur-Saluces, one of his nephews, to ensure the estate's future. Alexandre faced major challenges, including complex inheritance rights, a crisis in the wine trade and difficult vintages that threatened the survival of Château d'Yquem. However, thanks to rigorous management and a bumper harvest in 1975, the winery survived and recovered.
In the 1980s, better harvests enabled further investment in the estate. Over the years, Château d'Yquem continued to develop. At the end of the 20th century, Bernard Arnault, head of the LVMH group, acquired Château d'Yquem, marking a new era for the estate. In 2004, management was entrusted to Pierre Lurton, who since then has consistently promoted the estate's modernity, authenticity, savoir-faire and openness to today's challenges.
Since then, Château d'Yquem has continued to produce a wine of excellence, refinement and elegance. The history of this estate reflects a deeply rooted winemaking tradition, a commitment to quality and a passion handed down from generation to generation,
Where is Château d'Yquem?
Château d'Yquem, a true emblem of the Bordeaux region, is much more than just a wine estate of excellence. Located in the commune of Sauternes, in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, this legendary site is also an exceptional tourist destination. Perched on the highest hill in the Sauternes region, the château itself is an architectural work of art dating back to the 16th century. It resembles a true medieval castle, with crenellated walls that evoke a bygone era, and round and square towers that seem to guard the secrets of history.
This charming, historic site was listed as a Monument Historique in 2003, in recognition of its cultural and heritage value. Château d'Yquem stands as a living testimony to the past, offering visitors an experience that combines the discovery of medieval architecture with the art of winegrowing.
A visit to this exceptional estate not only allows you to explore the vines that produce one of the world's most prestigious wines, but also to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this magical place. It's a place where architectural heritage meets winemaking excellence, creating a unique experience for all those lucky enough to discover it. Château d'Yquem perfectly embodies the richness and diversity of France's heritage, while continuing to produce wines of exceptional quality that delight palates the world over.
Who owns Château d'Yquem? From Lur Saluces to LVMH
The history of Château d'Yquem took a significant turn in 1999 when the LVMH Louis Vuitton-Moët Hennessy group acquired the estate. This acquisition was made possible thanks to the interest and involvement of Bernard Arnault, Chairman of the LVMH Group. It marked a milestone in the history of Château d'Yquem and opened a new chapter for this prestigious wine estate.
The LVMH Group (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) is one of the world's leading luxury goods companies, with a presence in a variety of industries, including fashion, fragrances, watches, jewelry, spirits and, of course, wine. It owns a portfolio of renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and many others. The acquisition of Château d'Yquem has strengthened the LVMH group's position in the wine industry and added a further dimension to its commitment to excellence and prestige.
The terroir of Château d'Yquem
The soils of the Château d'Yquem vineyards are a crucial element in the production of its exceptional wines. They play an essential role in the development of the grapes and the quality of the terroir that characterizes this emblematic wine estate.
These soils are distinguished by their unique characteristics. Firstly, they are warm and have the particularity of drying on the surface. This is due to the composition of the soil, which is made up of large gravel pebbles. These pebbles are able to retain and accumulate the sun's heat during the day, creating a favorable environment for grape ripening. The heat stored in the soils contributes to the concentration of sugars and aromas in the grapes, which is essential for the production of Sauternes' characteristic sweet wines.
Château d'Yquem's soils also have a clay subsoil. This clay retains moisture, ensuring a certain water reserve for the vines. This water retention is crucial in periods of drought, as it enables the vines to continue to develop and produce high-quality grapes. The combination of surface heat and deep water reserves creates ideal conditions for growing the noble grape varieties used in Sauternes production, such as Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Another important factor is the presence of numerous outcropping springs on the estate's slopes. To maximize the use of these springs and ensure an adequate water supply for the vines, the château has installed a 100-kilometer network of underground pipes to drain the vineyards. This water management system helps maintain the optimal water balance for the vines, ensuring ideal growing conditions. The final stage is bottling.
Château d'Yquem also benefits from its own exceptional microclimate. Located in the Sauternes region, the estate is exposed to particular climatic conditions, notably the frequent presence of morning fog due to the proximity of the Ciron river, followed by sunny days. This microclimate favors the development of noble rot, also known as botrytis cinerea, which is essential to the production of sweet wines such as Yquem. Noble rot causes the grapes to dehydrate, concentrating sugars and aromas while leaving a refreshing acidity.
#WINES OF THE DOMAIN: Appellations and Cuvées
Sauternes AOC
The small town of Sauternessauternes, located in the Gironde department, is part of the Bordeaux vineyards and occupies a prestigious place in the French wine world. It is famous for its sweet white wines, which bear the name of the eponymous Sauternes appellation. This AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) is world-renowned for the quality and finesse of its wines, and is considered the benchmark for sweet wines.
AOC Sauternes is renowned for its diversity of wine styles and their exceptional qualities, ranging from sweet to mellow to semi-dry, depending on the level of sweetness required. However, it is Sauternes liquoreux that has gained worldwide renown and is often considered the most famous sweet wine in the world.
This sweet wine is made from three main grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. One of the most striking characteristics of Sauternes is its golden color and the amount of sugar per liter, which heralds the wine's richness and complexity. It is appreciated for its exceptionally complex, harmonious flavors and aromas, which evoke notes of honey, dried apricot, white flowers and sweet spices.
Château d'Yquem, located in the Sauternes region, south of Bordeaux's left bank, is one of the jewels of the Sauternes appellation. Its name alone evokes prestige and excellence. This emblematic wine estate is renowned for producing one of the world's most sought-after and precious sweet wines. It is considered the pinnacle of the art of producing sweet and syrupy wines.
Château d'Yquem vintages
1811 - 1847 - 1975 - 1986 - 1990 - 2006 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2018 - 2020
Château d'Yquem cuvées
Combining tradition and innovation, Château d'Yquem uses advanced winemaking techniques. From delicate vertical presses to modern pneumatic presses where the fragility and texture of the berries are taken into account before each pressing, each stage is orchestrated to preserve the very essence of the grapes and capture the quintessence of flavors.
This is the range of château d'Yquem wines :
- Château d'Yquem
- Y d'Yquem
- Sauternes
Discover the characteristics of Château d'Yquem wines:
Château d'Yquem, a legend among Sauternes wines, has a rich 400-year history. In 1855, it was recognized as the only Premier Cru Supérieur in the official classification of the Paris Universal Exhibition, a well-deserved honor. Château d'Yquem's Sauternes vineyard covers 113 hectares, but only a hundred or so are in production, mainly Sémillon (75%) and Sauvignon blanc (25%).
Château d'Yquem's exceptional microclimate, with the influence of the Ciron river, favors noble rot thanks to the autumn morning fog, concentrating sugars and aromas on the grapes. The process of harvesting by successive selections is a hallmark of Château d'Yquem, requiring meticulous attention to detail at every stage, from grape to bottling.
With yields limited to one glass per vine, Château d'Yquem is a Sauternes wine of rare quality, which lends its prestige to its aromatic expression, unique texture and long finish. Younger vintages offer expressive fruity aromas of apricot and orange, sometimes evolving to woody notes of vanilla or toasted toast, then to a light spicy touch of cinnamon, saffron and licorice with age. Designed for aging, Château d'Yquem Sauternes evolves magnificently, developing delicious aromas of dried and candied fruit, subtly balanced by refreshing floral notes. Harmony, balance, complexity and finesse characterize Château d'Yquem Sauternes, a style in its own right.
Y d'Yquem is much more than just a wine. It embodies the essence of rarity and exception in the world of wine. Each year, only 10,000 bottles of this precious nectar are produced, corresponding to an average of no more than 9 hectolitres per hectare.
The origin of Y wine is as remarkable as its rarity. It comes from the same exceptional terroirs as the prestigious Château d'Yquem, a world benchmark for sweet wines. What sets Y wine apart, however, is its unique production process.
Originally, Y wine was made from the last grapes of the harvest, those often affected by Botrytis cinerea, a beneficial fungus that contributes to the concentration of aromas. This process, combined with the limitation of alcohol content to a potential 15% Vol., resulted in a wine of unparalleled rarity. However, in 1996, the Y wine evolved to suit modern tastes by incorporating more freshness and tension, while preserving its unique character.
Since 2004, a bold decision has been made to produce Y wine every year. To achieve this, the winemakers carefully select perfectly ripe Sauvignon grapes at the beginning of the harvest, to which are added Sémillon berries reaching the ultimate level of ripeness. This carefully selected blend allows the aromatic potential of the best clay terroirs to be fully expressed.
The Y wine-making process is equally meticulous. It begins with light, precise pressing, followed by careful settling. Fermentation begins at controlled temperatures in a dedicated cuverie, combining cutting-edge technology with unique aesthetics. The wine then rests in barrels, of which only a third are new wood, with regular stirring for ten months to refine its complexity and texture.
The final blending of the Y wine is a crucial step, which takes place after careful tasting. It is generally composed of a majority of Sauvignon, enriched by a few batches of Sémillon, to create an exceptional wine that embodies the harmony between tradition and modernity. So, Y wine is much more than a drink. It's a vinous treasure, a priceless rarity that embodies the art and passion of winemaking, while offering an exceptional taste experience to those lucky enough to taste it.
Sauternes, a new wine from the Château d'Yquem estate, simply bearing its name and numbered from 1 to 6. This launch is an exceptional event in the history of this prestigious estate, which had not launched a new wine since the Y in 1959.
Initially reserved for employees of LVMH, the group that owns the estate, Sauternes had been available in cuvées numbered 1 to 5 since 2014. According to Sandrine Garbay, Château d'Yquem's cellar master, the selection criteria and method of the ageing cellar have been strengthened in recent years, emphasizing purity, balance and elegance. This has led to the sale of high quality second choice wines in bulk.
To remedy this situation, Château d'Yquem has created Sauternes, a blend of several vintages ranging from Sauternes 1 to Sauternes 6. The aim is to guarantee consistent quality from one cuvée to the next, in the manner of a Champagne cuvée. The wine is also designed to adapt to new ways of enjoying it, such as adding large ice cubes for a striking effect, or incorporating orange or lemon zest to enhance freshness.
Sauternes is only available from the estate, presented in original cases containing the first six cuvées numbered 1 to 6, as well as in cases of twelve half-bottles.
What dish to serve with a Château d'Yquem?
The Château d'Yquemchâteau d'Yquem, this Sauternes wine of rare elegance, lends itself wonderfully to a variety of dishes, far beyond desserts. Indeed, it's the perfect accompaniment to a traditional Sunday roast chicken. Its sweetness and balance of sweetness and acidity complement the rich flavors of the roast chicken, creating a memorable taste experience.
However, the possibilities for pairing with Château d'Yquem don't stop there. This wine also goes very well with shellfish. Imagine enjoying grilled lobster with mango, where the sweetness of Château d'Yquem blends perfectly with the subtle flavors of the lobster and the sweetness of the mango. A cassolette of scallops can also be sublimated by this wine, creating a harmony between the marine notes of the scallops and the aromatic complexity of the Sauternes.
But it doesn't stop there. Château d'Yquem can also accompany fish described as "fine", such as sole meunière, where its balance brings additional elegance to this classic dish, or even turbot à l'orange, where the wine's citrus aromas marry with the fish's flavors.
Ultimately, Château d'Yquem is a versatile wine that can add a touch of elegance to a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to delicate seafood and fine fish. It offers an exceptional taste experience that will delight wine and food lovers alike.
What dessert with a Château d'Yquem?
Château d'Yquem, that jewel of Sauternes wines, is truly a divine companion for desserts, especially citrus-based ones. Imagine an orange crepe Suzette, flambéed with Grand Marnier, where Château d'Yquem is the perfect complement. The orange and caramel aromas of the crêpe blend harmoniously with the citrus and honey notes of the wine, creating an explosion of flavors on the palate. To add a touch of chocolate, small chocolate orangettes can also be enjoyed with this wine, the contrast between the dark chocolate and the sweetness of Château d'Yquem being simply delicious.
When you think of a classic dessert to accompany a Sauternes, tarts are often at the top of the list. A pineapple tart, for example, will enhance the tropical notes of Château d'Yquem, creating an exotic combination on the palate. Similarly, a tarte tatin, with its flavors of caramelized apples, marries perfectly with the sweetness and complexity of the wine.
It's important to note that Château d'Yquem is particularly appreciated with tangy desserts, as its balance of sweetness and acidity creates a unique taste harmony. Citrus fruits, tropical fruits and caramelized desserts are ideal choices to enhance this exceptional wine. Ultimately, pairing Château d'Yquem with desserts is a sensory experience that promises to delight the taste buds of wine and sweets lovers alike.
How to drink a Château d'Yquem wine?
To enjoy a Château d'Yquemstart by choosing a special moment, as this wine is truly an experience to be savored. Serve it slightly chilled, between 10°C and 14°C. Take time to observe the wine's color and nuances, which evolve with age, from golden to amber. Bring the glass up to your nose to appreciate the complex aromas, with notes of candied fruit, apricot, citrus, honey, caramel, vanilla and sometimes spices. On the first sip, let the wine envelop your palate and savor its balance of sweetness and acidity. Château d'Yquem can be enjoyed on its own for a unique experience, or with desserts, cheeses or sweet and sour poultry dishes. If you're lucky enough to taste an older vintage, be prepared to explore the aromas and complexity that have evolved over time. Ultimately, let your taste buds guide your experience and enjoy every moment with this exceptional wine.
Where can I buy Château d'Yquem? How much does a bottle cost?
You can buy Château d'Yquem directly on our website. We offer an exceptional selection of these prestigious wines, with a variety of vintages, formats and taste profiles to suit your preferences. Our bottles are carefully selected for their quality and authenticity, guaranteeing an exceptional experience with every tasting. Please feel free to explore our collection and contact us if you have any questions or need advice on choosing the perfect Château d'Yquem for your tasting or collection.
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation : Sauternes
Surface area : 113 Hectares
White grape varieties : Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle
Vine cultivation : Reasoned