Wines Barsac Château Coutet - 2009

Viniou Reviews

Château Coutet 2009 is a luxurious white dessert wine from the Barsac appellation in the Sauternais sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Known for its sweet, luscious characteristics, this wine exemplifies the art of producing premium Sauternes-style wines. The 2009 vintage is particularly noteworthy, marked by a warm growing season yielding ripe, concentrated, and intensely flavoured grapes. Barsac, with its unique terroir, contributes to the wine's distinctive profile – a blend of clay and limestone soils that retain moisture and moderate the vines' growth, promoting the development of botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. This natural process enhances the sugar concentration while preserving the acidity essential to balance the wine's sweetness.

Bordeaux, and specifically the Sauternais region, benefits from a maritime climate influenced by the nearby Garonne and Ciron rivers. The confluence of these waters creates the morning mists that encourage the growth of noble rot, crucial for crafting the renowned sticky wines of the area. Historically, Barsac has been revered for its sweet wines, cherished since the Roman era and featured on prestigious tables worldwide. Château Coutet, with its long-standing tradition, continues to uphold this legacy with its meticulous winemaking practices.

Pairing Château Coutet 2009 is a delightful exploration. Classically, it complements rich, indulgent foods, such as foie gras or blue cheese, which contrast beautifully with its sweet backbone. For a more regional approach, consider pairing it with classic French pastries like tarte Tatin or crème brûlée. Its sweet, honeyed profile also marries well with spicy Asian cuisine or fruit-based desserts, where its acidity can cut through the richness and enhance the flavours.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve Château Coutet 2009 slightly chilled, between 10-12°C. This temperature allows its intricate aromas of apricot, honey, and subtle citrus to unfold gradually, providing an exquisite sensory journey with each sip.