Sauternes AOC Château d’Yquem Premier Grand Cru 2003 Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Château d'Yquem is born in vineyards located in the Gironde, south of the Bordeaux region. Château d'Yquem is one of the premier crus included in the Official Classification of Bordeaux Wines of 1855, the only Sauternes. This classification system was wanted by the Emperor Napoleon III on the occasion of the Universal Exposition of Paris, in order to make the best Bordeaux wines more recognizable even outside the borders of France. The wines were ordered from the first to the fifth cru based on the reputation of the cellar and the price, which at the time was a factor directly related to quality. Together with the other premier cru Grand Classé it is considered a legend that made the history of wine.

It is mainly produced with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, harvested in several stages, grape by grape, after the bunches left to dry on the plant, have been attacked by noble rot, Botrytis cinerea. Fermentation takes place in barriques for 2-6 weeks at controlled temperature, with a stop on the lees for at least 6 months. Subsequently the wine ages for 20 months in barriques, before being bottled.

The 2003 vintage was characterized by a warm climate starting from mid-May, reaching record temperatures in August. This unusual summer, combined with the 35mm of rain that occurred at the beginning of September, gave rise to a massive attack of Botrytis which led to a very rare event: the entire production was collected in a single pass. As elegant as atypical, this vintage is said to recall the conditions that led to the very first production of moldy wines in the Sauternes region.

This Sauternes is characterized by an intense amber yellow color. The nose opens with a complex and harmonious bouquet, with fragrant aromas of dried apricot and candied fruit, accompanied by hints of honey, cinnamon, saffron and nougat. On the palate it is velvety and dense, with a good body, with hints of honey and citrus peel which prelude to a pleasantly spicy finish.

Perfect to accompany blue and aged cheeses, this sweet wine is ideal in combination with fruit tarts and dry or cream pastries.