Chateau d'Yquem is a name synonymous with luxury, excellence, and timeless elegance. Situated in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, Chateau d'Yquem has been producing its renowned sweet wines since the late 16th century. The estate was elevated to the unique status of Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, a distinction that underscores its unmatched quality and prestige.
The estate encompasses 113 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with Sémillon (75%) and Sauvignon Blanc (25%). The unique terroir, characterized by its gravelly soil and the influence of the Ciron and Garonne rivers, creates the perfect conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This natural phenomenon concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in wines of extraordinary richness, complexity, and longevity.
Chateau d'Yquem's Grand Vin is legendary for its opulence, balancing sweetness with acidity and displaying layers of exotic fruit, honey, and spice. The estate also produces a dry white wine, Y d'Yquem, which showcases the estate's versatility and the quality of its Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes. Both wines are made with the same meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each bottle reflects the estate’s commitment to excellence.
The history of Chateau d'Yquem is as rich as its wines. The estate has seen numerous owners over the centuries, including the Lur-Saluces family, who managed it for over 200 years. Today, Chateau d'Yquem is owned by LVMH, and under the leadership of Pierre Lurton, it continues to thrive, producing wines that are benchmarks of quality and luxury.
Visitors to Chateau d'Yquem can experience the grandeur of the estate firsthand. The chateau itself, a historic building surrounded by lush vineyards, offers a glimpse into the storied past and the meticulous processes that go into making its iconic wines. Chateau d'Yquem stands as a testament to the heights that winemaking can achieve, producing wines that are cherished by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.