+33(0) 535 542 541

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Wines

Cru Classé

2nd Wines

PRIMEURS 2022

Pauillac Wines

SAINT JULIEN

MARGAUX

SAINT-ESTÈPHE

MEDOC - HT MÉDOC - MOULIS

PESSAC LEOGNAN

SAUTERNES

SAINT-ÉMILION

POMEROL

Quick view

Bordeaux Wines

Rhône

Rhône Valley wines

Côte-Rôtie' Selection

Septentrional Rhône Valley

Méridional Rhône Valley

PRODUCERS

Jean-Michel Gérin La Champine Syrah 2020

Quick view

Rhône Valley wines

Burgundy

> ALL OUR BURGUNDY

Meursault' Selection

CÔTE DE NUITS

Burgundy WInes

CHABLIS

COTE DE BEAUNE

CÔTE CHALONNAISE

PRODUCERS

Domaine Chanson Clos des fèves, Beaune 1er Cru 2017 Monopole

Out-of-Stock

Quick view

ALL OUR BURGUNDY WINES

Rosés Wines

Rosés : Vintage 2022

PROVENCE

CORSE

Domaine Abbatucci

Quick view

All our Rosés wines

Champagne

> ALL OUR CHAMPAGNE

Champagnes Blanc de Blancs

Champagne : Extra-Brut

MAISONS

Quick view

Deutz : Brut Classic

All our Champagne

France

> All our French wine

Zoom in : Loire wines

Zoom in : Languedoc wines

Beaujolais' Crus

LANGUEDOC

SOUTH-WEST

Loire Wines

Corsican wines

Beaujolais wines

Alsace wines

Ardèche wines

Jura Wines

Quick view

All our French wines

World

> ALL OUR WINES OF THE WORLD

Spain : 100% Rioja

Italy : Super-Toscan

SPAIN

ITALY

SOUTH AFRICA

Klein Constantia

ARGENTINA

CHILE

PORTUGAL

Burmester

UNITED STATES

AUSTRALIA

Penfolds

NEW ZEALAND

Cloudy Bay

CHINA

Château Nine Peaks

Quick view

All our wines of the wold

PRIMEURS

> ALL OUR BORDEAUX PRIMEURS FOR THE 2023 VINTAGE

Last release >

Primeurs 2023

Last release =>

Primeurs 2022

Quick view

Primeurs 2023

ORGANIC WINES

Barsac Wines

Climens, Coutet, Doisy Daëne, Doisy Védrines, Myrat, Nairac ...

- Discover all our great sweet wines from Barsac -

Voir les informations

FILTER

Conditionnement

All
Bottle (75cl)

Price

€60.00 - €75.00

There is 1 product.

Sort by:

Showing 1-1 of 1 item(s)

Château Coutet 2011

Bordeaux - Barsac - 1er Cru Classé - Sweet wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 63.00€ / bottle

€63.00 Or €63.00 / bottle

TASTING NOTES

Wine Advocate 93 Wine Spectator 97 J. Robinson 17 J. Suckling 93

Specifications

Conditionnement

add remove

The Wines of Barsac: A Sweet Treasure of Sauternes

Introduction

The Bordeaux wine region, renowned worldwide for its exceptional wines, is home to an appellation in the south that stands out for its sweet white wines: Barsac. Nestled in the heart of Sauternes, this appellation shares with Sauternes unique characteristics that make it one of the oenological wonders of the region. Barsac wines are mainly composed of grape varieties such as Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Sauvignon. What makes them particularly unique is the phenomenon of "noble rot," which imparts an exceptional concentration of sugar in the grapes, resulting in sweet, luscious wines that are also fresh and fruity. This article explores in depth the historical, geographical, technical, and sensory aspects of Barsac wines.

History and Geography of Barsac

Origins and Historical Development

The history of viticulture in Barsac dates back several centuries. As early as the Middle Ages, Cistercian monks cultivated vines in this region. However, it was in the 18th century that Barsac, along with its neighbor Sauternes, gained international renown. At that time, sweet wines became highly prized in the royal courts of Europe, notably in England and Russia. Winemaking techniques and the art of viticulture were refined, and producers in Barsac began to distinguish themselves by the exceptional quality of their wines.

A Unique Terroir

Barsac is located on the left bank of the Garonne River, in an area where the geographical and climatic conditions are particularly conducive to producing sweet wines. The soil of Barsac is essentially composed of gravel, limestone, and sand, which promotes good drainage and allows vine roots to penetrate deeply to draw necessary nutrients. Moreover, the proximity of the Ciron River, a tributary of the Garonne, creates an ideal microclimate. The morning mists generated by the Ciron favor the development of Botrytis cinerea, or "noble rot," necessary for the production of sweet wines.

The Grape Varieties of Barsac

Sémillon: The Pillar of Barsac

Sémillon is the main grape variety used in Barsac wines, often representing the majority of the blend. This grape is particularly susceptible to noble rot, making it an ideal choice for sweet wines. Sémillon brings a creamy texture, richness on the palate, and aromas of honey, candied fruits, and dried apricot to Barsac wines.

Sauvignon Blanc: Freshness and Acidity

Sauvignon Blanc is also present in Barsac wines, although generally in smaller proportions compared to Sémillon. This grape adds a touch of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of Sémillon and adding notes of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a hint of herbaceousness. This contribution is crucial to ensure a harmonious balance in the final wine.

Muscadelle: Aromatic Complexity

Muscadelle is the third grape variety used in the blend of Barsac wines. Although often in the minority, it plays an important role in adding floral aromas and complexity. Muscadelle contributes nuances of white flowers, fresh grape, and sometimes exotic fruits, thus enriching the wine's aromatic profile.

Noble Rot: A Magical Phenomenon

Botrytis Cinerea

"Noble rot" is a natural phenomenon caused by a fungus, Botrytis cinerea. When conditions are right—humidity in the morning and sunshine in the afternoon—this fungus attacks the grapes, perforating their skin and allowing partial evaporation of the water contained in the berries. This process concentrates sugars and aromas while developing unique aromatic compounds.

Effects on Grapes and Wine

Grapes affected by noble rot take on a confit, almost shriveled appearance, but retain a richness in sugar and acid that is fundamental to the wine's balance. This concentration of sugar allows for the production of sweet wines with high alcohol content and marked sweetness, while the grape's natural acidity preserves freshness and prevents the wine from becoming too heavy.

Winemaking of Barsac Wines

Hand Harvesting

The production of Barsac wines requires meticulous attention from the harvest onwards. The grapes are hand-picked, with several successive passes through the vineyards to collect only the grapes perfectly affected by noble rot. This method, called "successive selections," is laborious but essential to guarantee the wine's quality.

Pressing and Fermentation

After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the sweet, concentrated juice. Fermentation then takes place in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, at controlled temperatures to preserve delicate aromas. Fermentation can be long, sometimes several months, due to the high sugar content of the musts.

Aging and Maturation

Once fermentation is complete, Barsac wines are often aged in oak barrels for 12 to 24 months. This aging period allows the wine to refine, acquire notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices, and develop additional complexity. Some producers opt for longer aging to add even more depth and richness to the wine.

Sensory Characteristics of Barsac Wines

Visual

Barsac wines are distinguished by their golden color, sometimes with amber highlights over time. This intense color is a sign of the concentration of the grapes and barrel aging.

Aroma

On the nose, Barsac wines offer a rich and complex aromatic palette. One finds aromas of candied fruits (apricot, peach), honey, white flowers, and more exotic notes like pineapple and mango. With age, nuances of caramel, hazelnut, and white truffle may also appear.

Palate

On the palate, Barsac wines are unctuous and velvety, with a beautiful freshness brought by the grape's natural acidity. The richness in sugar is perfectly balanced by this acidity, avoiding any heaviness and giving the wine great elegance. Flavors of candied fruits and honey dominate, accompanied by spicy and woody notes due to barrel aging.

Food and Wine Pairings

Due to their complexity and sweetness, Barsac wines are ideal companions for many dishes. Their freshness and richness allow for varied gastronomic pairings.

Cheeses

Barsac wines pair perfectly with blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton. The wine's sweetness balances the salty and spicy character of the cheese, creating a delicious harmony.

Foie Gras

The classic pairing of foie gras and sweet wine finds sublime expression with Barsac wines. The richness and unctuousness of the wine complement the silky texture and delicate flavors of foie gras.

Desserts

Fruit desserts, especially those based on pears, peaches, or apricots, pair well with Barsac wines. Tarte Tatin, crumbles, and cream-based desserts like crème brûlée also benefit from the wine's aromatic complexity and sweetness.

Conclusion

Barsac wines represent a true treasure of French viticulture. Thanks to unique geographical conditions and ancestral viticultural techniques, these wines offer an unparalleled sensory experience. Their aromatic complexity, unctuousness on the palate, and perfect balance between sweetness and freshness make them exceptional wines, sought after by enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide. Whether to accompany refined dishes or to be enjoyed on their own, Barsac wines are a celebration of winemaking expertise and the terroir of Sauternes.