Chateau Coutet Premier Cru Classe, Barsac, Bordeaux overview

The house’s first wine, Château Coutet, is an exemplar of Barsac’s legendary sweet wine production. Primarily made from Sémillon, with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle adding layers of complexity, this wine is renowned for its impeccable balance of sweetness and acidity.

Performance

Understanding Chateau Coutet Premier Cru Classe, Barsac, Bordeaux

The terroir of Château Coutet is characterised by its unique soil composition, a combination of limestone and clay, perfectly suited for the cultivation of Sémillon. The estate’s microclimate, marked by foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, creates ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), crucial for producing its distinguished sweet wines. The vineyard management at Coutet is focused on sustainable practices, with vines averaging over 35 years of age, contributing to the complexity and depth of the grapes. Harvesting at Château Coutet is a careful and labour-intensive process, with grapes handpicked in successive waves to ensure optimal selection. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats, followed by ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels that are at least 70% and sometimes entirely new. This stage imparts subtle oak nuances while preserving the vibrant fruit character. This Grand Vin features candied apricot, honey, almond and a hint of ginger underpinned by a refreshing minerality in a luscious palate. It has the capacity to age gracefully, allowing it to develop intricate layers of flavor over time.

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