Wine Review Short #24: The Sweet Life – Chateau Coutet, Barsac, Bordeaux.

Posted by princeofwine in Featured Articles, Photography Department, Wine Review Shorts on 05 16th, 2009 | no responses

My interview with Aline Baly and her uncle Phillipe Baly of Chateau Coutet. I tasted the golden 2006 Coutet ( a Premier Grand Cru Sauternes-Barsac from the 1855 classification) and found it to be extremely fresh with none of the heaviness you would expect from a dessert Sauternes wine. The lively acidity comes through on the palate and accentuates the honey, pineapple, vanilla, orange rind, and lemon zest notes all mashed up in Botrytris heaven (Botrytis is the “noble rot” that gives the Sauterne/Barsac wines their unique flavor). I would enjoy this wine not just after dinner as dessert in itself with Stilton Cheese but also as an aperitif with a terrine of foie gras over an extremely thin and well toasted baguette crust. For the seafood lovers this elixir would pair well with a main course of scallops sauted til golden with olive oil, sea salt, cracked pepper and a splash of lemon. The wine is composed of 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The Baly family have owned the 95 acre Chateau since 1977 when Marcel Baly acquired the 95 acre property. Marcel’s sons Dominic and Phillipe took over running the operation in the 1980′s. Numerous improvements and upgrades to the property has taken place under their stewardship. The Chateau entered into an exclusive distribution partnership in 1995 with Baroness Phillipine Rothschild of the Mouton Rothschild / Opus 1 et al fame which has helped to enhance Coutet’s reputation and prestige. I say beaucoup d’efforts!!

For further information on Chateau Coutet you may click on www.chateaucotet.com

POW 94

Walid Romaya

Prince of Wine
www.princeofwine.com