2020 Chateau d'Yquem

Château d’Yquem is a name you’ll often hear when people talk about Sauternes. The castle has stood for centuries, but the wines still surprise. Sweet powerhouses that can easily outlive a generation.

Château d’Yquem winery in Sauternes

The estate lies in the heart of Sauternes, just south of Bordeaux. On a hilltop, overlooking the vineyards, with a castle that looks as striking as the wines taste. In total, the property covers around 125 hectares. About 90 hectares are dedicated to vines, while the rest is woodland, gardens, and a courtyard with its iconic towers.

History of Château d’Yquem

The story of Yquem goes back to the 15th century. In 1785, the estate came into the hands of the Lur-Saluces family through marriage. For generations it remained under their care until luxury group LVMH acquired the majority stake in 1996. The estate’s reputation was sealed in 1855 when Yquem was the only Sauternes classified as Premier Cru Supérieur — a title it still holds exclusively today.

Vineyards and grape varieties of d’Yquem

Yquem’s vineyards cover around 102 hectares. Plantings are roughly 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. This blend is key to the wine’s rich, layered style. Harvesting here is unlike anywhere else: only grapes touched by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) are handpicked. Pickers often pass through the same rows multiple times to select just the right clusters. The yields are tiny, averaging only 9 hectoliters per hectare, but the concentration in the wine is unmatched.

Climate in Sauternes

The microclimate of Sauternes is essential. Nearby rivers create morning mists in autumn, while afternoons are warm and sunny. These alternating conditions allow noble rot to develop. Without this natural balance of humidity and sunshine, the unique style of Yquem would not exist.

Interesting facts about Château d’Yquem

• Yquem is the only Sauternes with Premier Cru Supérieur status from the 1855 classification.
• Since 1959 the estate has also produced a dry white wine: “Y” or “Ygrec”. Since 2004 it has been made every vintage.
• The harvest is so selective that up to 140 pickers are needed to comb through the vineyards in several passes.
• A bottle of Yquem can age for more than a century under proper storage, constantly evolving in complexity.

Château d’Yquem wine online?

At Grandcruwijnen, the wines of Château d’Yquem are stored in a fully conditioned Wine Warehouse, ensuring perfect preservation. When ordering online, you can choose between home delivery or collection in Dordrecht. Pick up your order and you’ll receive an extra discount — automatically shown when you select ‘Afhalen’ at checkout.

France is globally renowned for its exceptional wines, each originating from a unique region with distinct flavors and styles.

France as one of the largest and oldest wine-producing countries in the world

France is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world. The moderately warm climate, which is favorable for grape cultivation, and the diversity of wine soils provide ideal conditions for viticulture. Thanks to the abundance of oak trees for barrel production and its central location in Europe, the French wine trade flourished early on, contributing to the quality and variety of French wines.

The soil diversity in France makes it possible to produce a wide range of wines. Due to its northern location, between the 43rd and 49th parallel, grapes take longer to ripen, which promotes complex aromas and retains good acidity. The extensive experience of French winemakers has led to an optimal alignment of wine and region.

Wine regions in France: from Bordeaux to the Loire Valley

France is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. Each region has its unique climate, soil, and grape varieties that influence the flavor of the wine. Bordeaux is known for its powerful red wines made from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Burgundy offers refined wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the Loire Valley, stretching along France’s longest river, produces white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

Other wine areas such as Champagne, Alsace, Provence, Beaujolais, and Languedoc-Roussillon are globally renowned, producing a variety of wines, from sparkling to fruity and rosé wines, beloved by both local and international enthusiasts.

French viticulture: tradition, regulation, and innovation

Wine production in France dates back over 2000 years. Thanks to continuous attention to research, education, and regulation, France has developed one of the most comprehensive wine laws in the world. These laws, such as the AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) and IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée), set rules to preserve the authenticity of wines from specific regions.

These rules specify, among other things, which grape varieties may be planted, pruning methods, yields per hectare, and even wine style. Wines that meet these conditions can carry the AOP or IGP designation, which guarantees the quality and regional authenticity of French wine.

Grape varieties in French wine: from Chardonnay to Merlot

France is home to renowned grape varieties that are appreciated worldwide. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are just a few examples of grapes that thrive on French soil.

Chardonnay is particularly popular in Burgundy, where it adapts to both cool and warm climates. Pinot Noir, another classic from Burgundy, is known for its delicate flavor and red fruit aromas. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon form the backbone of Bordeaux wines, each with their distinctive aromas and flavor profiles.

Climates of French wine regions: impact on flavor and quality

The variation in climate within France plays an important role in the diversity of French wine. The temperate climate in Bordeaux, the cool climate in Champagne, and the warm, dry climate in Provence each contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines.

In Champagne, the cool climate produces sparkling wines with refined bubbles and high acidity. Provence benefits from its warmth, which aids in the production of refreshing rosé wines. The Rhône Valley’s warm summers result in robust red wines from grapes such as Syrah and Grenache.

The scale of French wine production

France has about 785,000 hectares of vineyards, producing approximately 45 million hectoliters of wine annually. Of this vineyard area, roughly half is AOP wine, which stands for guaranteed origin and quality.

If you have a French wine from before 2011, you may see the term Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which was the predecessor to AOP. Besides AOP, IGP is also a common label, indicating wine with a protected geographic origin, signaling the wine's region of origin.

Why choose French wine?

France has established itself as a wine country through its unique combination of diverse terroirs, grape varieties, and climates. The knowledge and experience passed down through generations of French winemakers have led to the creation of wines that are hard to match in flavor and quality.

Whether you choose a powerful Bordeaux, a refined Burgundy, or a refreshing Champagne, France offers a wide selection of high-quality wines. At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find French wines for every taste and occasion.

Want to order French wine online?

Do you want to enjoy a quality wine from France? At Grandcruwijnen, you can easily order your favorite French wine. Our extensive selection includes everything from Bordeaux wines like Petrus, Mouton, and Lafite to top rosé houses like Miraval, Minuty, and Ott, as well as the best Hermitage wines from the Rhône. All our wines are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. Moreover, you receive a discount when you pick up your order. The discount is immediately visible once you select 'Pickup' on the checkout page.

White wine is a beloved beverage appreciated worldwide for its fresh, fruity, and sometimes complex flavor profile. White wine ranges from dry to sweet and can feature light citrus notes, tropical fruit, and floral aromas. Well-known varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, each with unique characteristics depending on climate and aging. White wine is often served chilled and pairs wonderfully with fish dishes, salads, and soft cheeses.

Explore the World of White Wine: Quality, Flavor, and Diversity

Welcome to Grandcruwijnen, your online destination for a wide selection of white wines from around the globe. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious bottle to enjoy, our collection offers a range of flavors, from classic labels to hidden gems.

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Alcohol-free white wine is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavor and experience of wine without the effects of alcohol. These wines are traditionally made, with the alcohol carefully removed while preserving as much of the original aroma and character as possible. The result is a fresh, light-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with light dishes, as an aperitif, or simply as a refreshing glass at any time of day. At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a high-quality selection of alcohol-free white wines crafted by producers who specialize in this refined category.

Types of White Wine

Discover the diversity of white wine styles at Grandcruwijnen. From familiar names like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to hidden gems like Godello and Vermentino, there’s something for everyone in our extensive collection. Embark on a flavorful journey and discover new favorites to enjoy.

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