In Joséphine d’Yquem: A Remarkable Woman, a Legendary Wine, author Christel de Lassus explores the life of Françoise-Joséphine de Sauvage d’Yquem, revealing two key themes: her pervasive personal losses and her relentless pursuit of late-harvest winemaking.
The book draws on an extensive collection of family archives, suggesting that Château d’Yquem may have produced the first Botrytis cinerea-affected wine in Sauternes as early as 1800, challenging the long-held belief that this discovery was made later by other producers. The advantageous location of Yquem, near the Ciron River, allows for the morning mist that encourages the noble rot essential for creating their famous sweet wine.
Joséphine’s life was marked by tragic events. Born in Bordeaux on February 11, 1768, she was an only child who suffered frequent bereavement. The unconventional approach her father, Laurent d’Yquem, took in educating her focused on vineyard knowledge rather than traditional feminine skills. With an early understanding of the potential of white wine, Joséphine became intimately acquainted with winemaking processes.
However, life’s trials continued. After surviving a bout of smallpox that scarred her face, she faced the death of her mother and would soon lose her father as well. Left an orphan at 16, she married Louis-Amédée, Count de Lur-Saluces, just a month after her father’s death. Despite these hardships, she successfully promoted Yquem wine, even gaining a following with notable figures like Thomas Jefferson.
Tragedy struck again when her husband died in an accident, leaving her a widow with two young children. Though she faced the upheavals of the French Revolution, Joséphine earned the respect of her community. She endured arrests and hardship during this tumultuous time but emerged resilient, determined to preserve her family’s legacy.
As the years passed, the recognition of Yquem grew, and her late harvesting methods resulted in wines of exceptional quality. Joséphine became a pioneer in bottling wine and selling half-bottles, expanding Yquem’s reach in the market. Yet, she continued to encounter challenges, including the death of her son Antoine, further testing her strength.
Despite these adversities, Joséphine’s life culminated in the recognition of Yquem in 1855 as the only premier cru supérieur, a testament to her vision and determination. She passed away at Château d’Yquem on November 6, 1851, but her influence on the legacy of Yquem endures, forever intertwined with the story of Sauternes wine.
To delve deeper into her remarkable journey, Christel de Lassus’s book offers an insightful look at the intersection of personal struggle and viniculture, celebrating the indomitable spirit of a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of fine wine.