Château Coutet, a Premier Grand Cru Classé of Barsac since 1855, is a historic estate whose origins date back to 1643. Recognized by Thomas Jefferson as early as 1787, it stands out for a style characterized by a "sharp" freshness and vivacity, a quality that inspired its name, derived from the Gascon word coutet (meaning knife).
The Château Coutet vineyard spans approximately 40 hectares. The grape varietal composition is dominated by Sémillon (75%), complemented by Sauvignon (23%) and Muscadelle (2%). The vines, with an average age of 35 to 50 years, are planted at a high density of 7,500 vines/hectare. This density and the age of the vines promote naturally low yields and increased berry concentration. The terroir consists of a mix of gravel and red clay over a limestone bedrock. This clay-limestone composition retains water well without accumulating heat, creating a cool microclimate that imparts notable acidity and distinctive vivacity to the wines. Vineyard management includes "Taille à Cot" (traditional Sauternes pruning) and reasoned cultivation.
The production of Coutet's sweet wine relies on the action of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, which dehydrates the grapes and concentrates sugars and acids in the berries. The manual harvests extend over one to one and a half months, requiring multiple successive "tries" (passes). These practices result in yields of around 9 hl/ha. This low volume is a direct consequence of the botrytis-induced dehydration, ensuring maximum concentration of the wine's aromas and structure.
After a pressing phase, fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The proportion of new wood for fermentation and aging can vary from one vintage to another, from 25% to 100%. Aging lasts approximately 18 months in French oak barrels. The final blend, made after aging, often favors Sémillon (80% and more), enhancing its aging potential.
When young, Château Coutet exhibits aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, honey, vanilla, ginger, and pineapple. With time, these notes evolve into deeper, warmer nuances of orange marmalade, gingerbread, and candied fruits. This complexity, combined with the freshness conferred by Barsac's typical limestone subsoil, guarantees long aging in the bottle. Great Coutet vintages will improve for 15 to 40 years in bottle.