Château d’Yquem

No matter how much one loves red Bordeaux (in our case, that’s a lot!), Left and Right Bank visits can blur together a bit.  So a tasting of golden, sweet Sauternes is just the thing for a change of pace.

We headed for Chateau d’Yquem, the winery that’s synonymous with Sauternes.

The estate dates from the 15th century, and part of the chateau’s crenelated wall is about as old; vineyards were planted by the 18th century.  Perhaps the most famous figure in Yquem’s history is Françoise-Joséphine de Sauvage, whose family owned the estate.  She married a count in 1785 and shortly thereafter became a young widowed countess – bad timing with the French Revolution around the corner – and not only kept the estate, but led it to prosperity into the 19th century.

About 20 years ago, LVMH acquired Yquem.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most expensive visits in Bordeaux today – though quite a good one.  We spent nearly two hours with a charming guide who walked us all around the chateau and garden, telling us of the history of the estate, before reaching the tasting room.

There, we tasted one vintage of Yquem Sauternes and one vintage of the white wine, Y, which is primarily Sauvignon Blanc.  Unlike the young reds of Bordeaux, which are too tannic for me to really enjoy tasting, these wines were both delicious.

Afterwards we strolled the grounds a bit more, admiring the sweeping views (the best chateaux are on the high ground).  Such fun to see – and taste – a very different side of Bordeaux.