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Viinin Kuvailu
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
Weather conditions:
Some unreliable weather marked the beginning of 2012, with a wet spring, alternating between cool and damp days until early in July. In August, the weather improved, experiencing a heat wave mid-month. Unfortunately, the lack of rainfalls through to the beginning of September slowed the development of the Noble Rot. However, the beautiful, hot and dry weather at the end of the summer enabled the grapes to mature beautifully, increasing their sugar content and developing their aromas.
It is interesting to note that for the last few vintages, the harvests have started earlier and earlier; 2012 is no exception to this trend. In the end, despite a very small harvest, the quality of this vintage is undeniable marked by freshness.
Harvest:
The first 'trie' began on October 8th and lasted four days with favorable weather conditions. Since the Botrytis cinerea developed slowly, a second 'trie' occurred on October 15 only. Eleven days of rainy weather preceded the third 'trie' that took place from October 29th until November 1st. Following these adverse weather conditions, the arrival of particularly strong winds quickly dried the grapes, thus preserving their perfect quality. The harvest concluded with a small 'trie' on November 5th and 6th.
Several of the lots of what were brought in during the third 'trie' will be included in the blend of our first wine, Château Coutet.
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Harvest dates: |
October 8 to November 6 |
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Tries: |
4 manuel successive passes & 1 cleaning pass |
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Number of days of harvest: |
21 |
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Grape varieties: |
75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle |
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Fermentation: |
100% barrel fermented, 80% new French oak |
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Ageing: |
18 month in French oak barrels |
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Estate bottled: |
June 2014 |
Tasting notes:
Straw colored (still ageing in barrel), the wine displays lovely aromatic notes of very ripe white fruits such peach, nectarine, and pear on the nose. On the palate, the wine becomes round and smooth, with an excellent balance between freshness and alcohol, yet displaying a medium body, graced with finesse. The retro-olfaction is elegant and marked by exotic fruits, and a tinge of spices (mild spices and nutmeg). The finish is long and pleasant, with more freshness and charm than power, typical of a year with a difficult climate. The cool Barsac terroir enabled this wine to preserve the estate's typicity.