Château Coutet
AOC Barsac
1st Growth
Château Coutet was recognized as a Classified First Growth in the 1855 classification, but the lands around Barsac, among the coldest in the area, had already been planted with vines for centuries.
The coolness of the soil is expressed by the vines as they produce this rich, lively wine with its aromas of white blossom, citrus fruit, honey and vanilla, even in the early stages of its development.
In keeping with the great tradition of the Sauternes and Barsac appellations, the Château Coutet vineyard is planted with Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes.
Situation
The vineyards cover 38.5 hectares
Grape varieties
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle
Soil
a terroir of gravel, limestone and clay soils. On average, the vines are 30 years of age
Ageing
18 months in French oak barrels 100% French oak
Available Vintages
Alcohol
14°
Blending
Sémillon 75%, Sauvignon Blanc 23%, Muscadelle 2%
Description
A gorgeous golden color with coppery glints, the wine opens on generous, diverse notes of candied apricot, orange zests, spices, and honey, along with notes of toast that reveal an elegant touch of oak in a very subtle way. Words alone cannot express fully what happens next on the palate. The wine is very rich, very aromatic, very concentrated… typical of a beautiful botrytisation. It shows both class and finesse, along with power and mineral freshness, as well as the vivacity of the citrus fruits and the smoothness of vanilla notes. The final potential is revealed in a powerful yet still very much restrained finish — all this blended into a beautiful balance. The aromatic and gustative fullness express perfectly all the richness and complexity so typical of this Barsac’s great vintages.
Tasting
“Full-bodied, balanced, well-made Barsac, with just the right amount of new wood, ripe fruit and botryitis character.” – Wine Spectator
