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JBJ at the New York Wine Experience - Oct 19, 2018

Eric Jensen, Charles Smith and Louis Barruol for Wine Spectator Magazine at the New York Wine Experience portrait studio.

JBJ at the New York Wine Experience - Oct 19, 2018 (x)

This week we had a chance to meet up with the head of strategic marketing and communications for Chateau Coutet: Aline Baly. We met at the Wine Spectator's annual New York Wine Experience at the Marriot Marquis, right in Times Square. She gave us a taste of how she got involved with the liquid gold, and a glass of the 2007 vintage to sip as well! Describe Chateau Coutet in 3 words. Dynamic, Delicious, Distinct What makes Chateau Coutet stand out from other sweet wines? Chateau Coutet benefits from an exceptional terroir. The vines' deep roots extract elements from a limestone and clay-based soil, giving the grapes freshness, richness and strength. For this reason the wine carries the name "Coutet," derived from the Gascon's word for knife, to signify the fresh, lively and crisp palate that is the estate's signature style. In its youth, the property's wines display generous notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, honey and vanilla. Time brings out deeper, warmer notes in which spices combine with exotic nectars and candied fruits. Age also enhances the harmony of its roasted Botrytis character and its distinct aromas to give Chateau Coutet a delicate and unique bouquet that is unsurpassed. What is your title and responsibilities at Chateau Coutet? I am the director of marketing and communications. I co-manage the family estate with my uncle. We've been working together for three years now -- We make a good team, bridging the cultural and general gap -- this makes for a very dynamic work experience. I have also lived in Boston, Hong Kong, and Madrid. After 20 years, I'm thrilled to be finally home and extremely lucky to spend time traveling to share Chateau Coutet with the world. How did you get involved in working at Chateau Coutet? It took only one wine tasting to realize that this is what I wanted to do. I was in London substituting for my dad and translating for my uncle at an event. This tasting is still one of my favorite events, gathering some of the best wine of the world and the passionate people responsible for these wines. Most importantly, meeting the wine enthusiasts who really value what we do was eye opening. Two hours into it, I turned to my uncle and asked him if he'd be open to working with me. He didn't hesitate in his response and two years later I moved back to France. What's one of your first moments experiencing sweet Bordeaux? I am definitely too young to remember...But the first time I realize that these wines were more than just any wine was probably during at my family's first Thanksgiving in the late 80s. My family and I had just relocated to Boston and my mom prepared a turkey to celebrate in the spirit of giving us the full American experience. This was the first holiday we celebrated in our new home -- in our new country. This was also the first holiday celebrated without our extended family. Having Ch. Coutet at our table was a way to combine our old and new homes and cultures. More than 20 years later, I still fly back to Boston every Thanksgiving from wherever I might be and enjoy a glass of Coutet with my mom's perfected turkey (a la Americaine). For those who have never tried Sauternes and turkey - you are missing out on one of the most unexpected pairings. There is only word to describe it: delicious. What's your favorite wine/food pairing? Well turkey and Coutet have a special place in my heart, but my absolute favorite pairing would have to be Coutet with lobster. The sweet meat compliments perfectly the sweet nectar plus the texture of lobster with these gold wines is an unbelievably good contrast. And if you haven't tried, may I recommend planing a LOBSauTERnes night? Visit our Flickr page for more photos of the New York Wine Experience with Chateau Coutet! Follow Chateau Coutet on Facebook and Twitter. And visit http://www.chateaucoutet.com/ to learn more, cheers!