Château Coutet - Barsac - 1er Grand Cru Classé 1855 - White - 2020

Wine:

The 2020 Barsac Château Coutet Premier Grand Cru Classé is a benchmark for the appellation, balancing freshness, complexity, and impeccable structure. It opens with bright citrus zest, hints of apricot, and a touch of exotic ripeness, all lifted by a vibrant mineral core. Its generous texture and natural tension keep the sweetness in check, allowing the wine’s limestone-driven precision to shine. The finish is long, silky, and delicately saline, with a refined bitterness adding depth and energy. A brilliantly defined Sauternes, built for both early enjoyment and long-term aging. Rated 98/100 by RVF and 94-96/100 by Parker.

Vinification:

Hand harvested from 16 September to 26 October 2020, with six passes to collect the finest grapes at optimal ripeness. Barrel fermentation. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.
Bottled in June 2022.

Color:

Bright pale yellow.

Nose:

An aromatic palette of citrus, apricot and mango notes mixed with floral touches.

Palate:

Generous and vibrant, this cuvée offers a silky yet fresh texture, perfectly capturing the essence of Sauternes. The finish is long and delicately saline, enhancing its refined balance and depth.

Temperature:

Serve at 16 to 18°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Aperitif, foie gras, raw or semi-cooked, accompanied by candied figs, Thai prawns, blue cheeses, lemon meringue pie, vanilla crème brûlée, yellow fruit tart.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035 and beyond for enthusiasts

A Premier Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes, Château Coutet stands as one of the great estates of Barsac, alongside Château Climens. Thanks to its limestone-rich terroir, it consistently delivers a distinctive saline finish, vibrant tension, and remarkable freshness, setting it apart with elegance and depth.

With three stars in the RVF guide, Château Coutet is a benchmark of Bordeaux’s sweet wines, renowned for its remarkable consistency and brilliance across vintages.

In a challenging year for Sauternes, where 90% of the region’s production was lost to frost, Coutet defied the odds, crafting a truly outstanding wine that fully expresses the character of its limestone soils.