Château d'Yquem 2021: Release of a legendary wine

Thursday, March 21st, the Château Yquem 2021. Alone 1st Cru Classé Superior of SauternesIt is undoubtedly the standard-bearer of sweet wines and one of the greatest wine myths.

Château d'Yquem, an essential item for crowned tables

Rare are the wines served at the table of the Russian tsars, shared by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, among the first Western brands at the table of Emperor Meiji, and accompanying the dessert at the dinner celebrating Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. Château d'Yquem It is present at all the great tables and all the great occasions.

During the 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac, the Château d'Yquem is the only one to become Premier Cru Superior. The surrounding châteaux are mostly classified as Premier Cru Classé, like the Château Rieussec, Château Guiraud or Second Growth Classified.

Today, Yquem is creating a buzz with the release of the new 2021 vintage! No need for the unique decanter that was created especially to serve Yquem at the Tsar's table or for a branded chalice and glass to enjoy this nectar of kings today.

Yquem, between demanding and sublime

It is common to say that one must a vine to produce a glass of Yquem, where it would produce a bottle on other terroirs, so much so that the work of nature and the teams of Château is exceptional. Around 120 people from the region, many of them retired members of the Yquem teams, come to lend their help and expertise when harvest time arrives. The harvesters are held to high standards in order to recognize at a glance which grapes to pick.

Located on the heights of the appellation, on the descending curves of the limestone plateau of Graves facing the Garonne, the Château d'Yquem benefits from best conditions to produce truly great wines.

Brilliant in exceptional vintages, this golden wine shines brightly even in vintages less favorable to red wines. 2021 is no exception. Subject to the same climatic conditions as the rest of the French vineyards, Sauternes produced reduced volumes, but... great wines.

As a reminder, 2021 saw unusual weather conditions. It all began with a mild winter, followed by a rather wet June and then a cool July. These conditions were particularly conducive to a high mildew pressure. This mildew had significant consequences on the quantity of grapes harvested throughout the Bordeaux vineyards, but especially in Sauternes. The Sauternes miracle occurs during theIndian summer with a mild and sunny September, as was the case for this vintage. Cool nights were followed by morning mist. Then, the sun came out to dry the grapes, bringing deliciously mild days for a demanding fungus. Château In Yquem, the grape harvest took place during the week of October 11with a high level of concentration. A particularly favorable weather window thanks to this beautiful Indian summer.

Château d'Yquem 2021, between freshness and indulgence

The great strength of this Château d'Yquem 2021 is the tension enhancing the delicious, rich aromas of this unique wine. power and the freshness combine perfectly to offer a unique tasting experience with every sip.

The assembly of 65 % of Sémillon and 35 % The Sauvignon Blanc, quite classic in style, integrates perfectly with the new oak used for aging. The 148 grams of residual sugar, imperceptible in this magnificent example of a great wine, lend smoothness and depth to the aromas of exotic fruits, citrus, and delicate flowers. Subtle, indulgent notes, reminiscent of Sunday lunch desserts, somewhere between crème brûlée and tarte tatin, give this magnificent wine a unparalleled aromatic complexity.

This unique and multifaceted wine allows for all kinds of daring food and wine pairings. Unrivaled with blue cheeses like Roquefort or Bleu d'Auvergne, this nectar will reveal the delicate creamy notes of fish in sauce, and its intensity will be amplified when paired with a vegetarian couscous with dried fruit or Peking duck. Simplicity is perfectly suited to a great Yquem; try it with a roast chicken with crispy skin, or seared scallops enlivened with a touch of lemon. The deep citrus and luscious notes will create a delightful combination on any table.