WINELIFE got an inside look at the renowned Château d'Yquem, the most prestigious Sauternes winery and the epicentre of the dessert wine world. There we met the inspired cellar master Sandrine Garbay, who has now been responsible for everything that comes to life in the cellars of this illustrious chateau for more than 20 years. She told us all about the developments and the new 2019 vintage that has just hit the market. - TEXT NIEK BEUTE
Château d'Yquem has been around for over 400 years. The chateau in Sauternes - the wine region 40 kilometres south-east of the city of Bordeaux - has grown into an estate with 105 hectares of vineyards. And despite its ample size, production has always remained relatively small. Partly due to the noble rot the grapes undergo, yields are very low. Then there is the rigorous selection of grapes, where really only the most perfect fruit is used. The remaining fruit is sold. Consequently, no second wine is made at Château d'Yquem. And that makes for only 10 hectolitres per hectare of yield, which is five times lower than other quality wines.
Frost-free
The estate owns the highest vineyards in the region, located 80 metres above sea level. This means they rarely suffer from spring frosts. Whereas the Sauternes vineyards were hit hard by night frosts in spring last year, Château d'Yquem has hardly had any problems. Particularly in the year 2021, there were major frost problems in France, including in Sauternes.
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Want more inside looks at Château d'Yquem? Then order here The latest WINELIFE issue 76.
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