{"product_id":"chateau-coutet-2002","title":"Château Coutet 2002","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eChâteau Coutet, located in the Barsac appellation of Bordeaux’s Sauternes region, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Originally built as a fortress, the estate transitioned to winemaking in the 17th century. Known for its sweet wines, Château Coutet was classified as a Premier Cru in the 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac. The estate spans approximately 38.5 hectares, primarily planted with Sémillon, along with smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Château Coutet is renowned for producing wines that balance sweetness with acidity, resulting in a fresh and lively profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Winemaker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAs of the 2002 vintage, Château Coutet was under the ownership of the Baly family, who acquired the estate in 1977. The winemaking team focuses on traditional methods, emphasizing meticulous vineyard management and careful selection during harvest to ensure the production of high-quality sweet wines that reflect the unique terroir of Barsac.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Microclimate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe vineyards of Château Coutet are situated on clay and limestone soils, which contribute to the distinctive minerality and freshness of the wines. The proximity to the Garonne and Ciron rivers creates a favorable microclimate for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), essential for producing the rich, sweet wines characteristic of the region. The 2002 vintage experienced a challenging growing season with variable weather conditions, but careful vineyard management allowed for the production of wines with good balance and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2002 Château Coutet is a blend predominantly composed of Sémillon, complemented by smaller proportions of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. This combination contributes to the wine’s complexity, with Sémillon providing richness and body, Sauvignon Blanc adding freshness and aromatic lift, and Muscadelle imparting floral notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAfter hand-harvesting in multiple passes to select grapes affected by noble rot, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the concentrated juice. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new, to enhance complexity and structure. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in these barrels for approximately 18 months before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eApproximately 14%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2002 Château Coutet displays a deep amber color. On the nose, it offers aromas of marzipan and marmalade. The palate is unctuous, with balancing acidity that provides freshness. The wine is described as less unctuous than in the past, suggesting a more refined sweetness.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis Barsac sweet wine pairs beautifully with foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts such as tarte tatin or apricot tart. Its sweetness and acidity also complement spicy Asian cuisine, where the wine’s richness can balance the heat and enhance the flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eTo fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and richness, serve the 2002 Château Coutet slightly chilled at around 10-12°C (50-54°F) in medium-sized white wine glasses. Allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after pouring can enhance its aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2002 Château Coutet is suitable for immediate enjoyment but also has the potential to age gracefully for several more years. Proper storage in a cool, dark environment with stable temperatures will allow the wine to maintain its quality and develop additional complexity over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eWine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 90 Points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e•\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eRobert Parker’s Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 89 Points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Magnum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922397479126,"sku":null,"price":368.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/ChateauCoutet.png?v=1773669927","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/chateau-coutet-2002","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}