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Wine Description
The Story
The Château Coutet vines' deep roots extract elements from its terroir to give the grapes freshness, richness and strength. For this reason the estate carries the name "Coutet,” derived from the Gascon's word for knife, to signify the fresh, lively and crisp palate that is the wine's signature style. In its youth, the wines display generous notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, honey and vanilla. Ginger and pineapple are very typical aromas in a young Château Coutet. Time brings out deeper, warmer notes in which spices combine with exotic nectars and candied fruits, such as gingerbread mingled with marmalade. Age also enhances the harmony of its roasted Botrytis character and its distinct aromas to give Château Coutet a delicate and unique bouquet that is unsurpassed.
Area under vines: 38.5 hectares (95 acres)
Planted grape varieties: 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle
Soil: Clay with a limestone sub-soil
Average age of the vines: 38 years
Planting density: 7,500 plants per hectare (3,000 plants per acre)
Vineyard management: "Taille à Cot" (traditional Sauternes pruning) and rational cultivation
Harvest: By hands (successive passes, called tries)
Average yield: 9 hl/ha (0.9 ton per acre)
Ageing: 18 months in French oak barrels, 70 to 100% new
Wine Information
Following a spring marked by heavy rainfall, the beautifully dry and sunny summer favored an ideal ripening of the fruit. The drought of August and September contributed to a late development of botrytis. At Chateau Coutet, the grape harvest began on October 5th and ended on November 5th with 4 successive manual selections.
The Chateau Coutet 2018 presents a beautiful straw yellow color in the glass. The beautifully expressive aromatic bouquet evolves a palette of citrus notes – bitter orange, grapefruit -, as well as sweet white peach, all enhanced by spicy notes, like ginger. On the palate, a fresh and lively attack leads to a deliciously velvety, dense texture that is also perfectly balanced. Full of freshness, the long finish leaves behind notes of orange and spice. A very nice vintage of a Barsac Grand Cru Classe, which is fresh, lively, unctuous and balanced.
