Wine Tips |
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Treat Yourself to d'Yquem |
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If you've never heard of it or seen it on a menu, Chateau d'Yquem (pronounced dee-KEM) is
universally accepted as
the best Sauternes in the world and always among the best dessert wines you'll ever drink.
Generally no matter what vintage, d'Yquem constantly receives grades in the high 90s from
the major wine authorities like Robert Parker. The taste and aroma? Rich notes and essences of honey, tropical fruit, nuts and vanilla, delivered with unbelievable sweetness but balanced by that essential bite of acid. The final result is remarkably balanced liquid dessert perfection - we can't think of a better way to say it. First, let us quickly talk about what Sauternes is and how d'Yquem is made. The grape is Sémillon, and the wine gets its sweetness from what's affectionately called "noble rot." The actual cause of this phenomenon is the fungus Botrytis cinerea, which attacks the grapes on the vine in search of water. As a result, the grapes become dehydrated and decay into shriveled up raisins. More importantly, the sugar in grape's remaining juice becomes concentrated, leading to a significant amount of residual sugar once fermentation has completed. You can definitely find less expensive Sauternes at restaurants or in your favorite wine store, but Château d'Yquem is absolutely the best of the best. Be prepared to pay for the pleasure of this luscious wine, as a half bottle will set you back several hundred dollars. You're better off purchasing by the glass if you want to indulge, though a glass will cost anywhere from $40-70 depending on the restaurant and the vintage. Expensive? Indeed. But if you've just finished a marvelous meal, nothing will finish it off like the fruit and honey goodness of Château d'Yquem. If you're interested in learning more, we encourage you to visit their website. And they've actually got the Chateau d'Yquem 1997 for sale online at wine.com. |
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