Château Couhins

The estate took the name “Couhins” (meaning “borders” in Gascon) from the 17th century. In 1959, under the guidance of Édouard Gasqueton, who also owned Calon-Ségur, it was promoted to Cru Classé de Graves. The death of Édouard Gasqueton in 1962 began a period of difficulty. The troubled context of the 1960s, with its succession of difficult vintages, forced the heirs to make economic choices. After granting a lease to André Lurton on part of the estate, they put the whole property up for sale. In 1968, Inra became the buyer of the Couhins lands, while confirming the lease granted to Mr Lurton and ceding to him 1.5 ha of vines, thus giving birth to Château Couhins Lurton. Château Couhins was then saved in extremis from disappearing.
Since then, Inra has carried out a demonstration activity showcasing the results of research in “precision viticulture” and “high environmental value viticulture”. It was here that the method of sexual confusion was developed to combat the grape moth. In 2007, the agronomic engineers of Couhins succeeded in mapping vine vigour with an accuracy of 1 m2 by means of a “Greenseeker” sensor combined with a GPS. In time, it will be possible to steer interventions such as fertilisation or plant protection treatments by controlling the flow rate according to soil data and GPS positioning. Couhins is now Inra’s showcase for innovative viticultural techniques.
The cellar built in 1982 has been completely renovated, and a new stage was reached with the inauguration in 2013 of new production and visitor buildings intended for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
After years of effort, the wines from this vineyard have in recent years regained their rank as a Cru Classé and are now marketed through the Place de Bordeaux.
Château Couhins white is distinguished by its elegance and complexity, which stem from the very gradual ripening of Sauvignon on north-facing clay-limestone slopes.
Château Couhins red comes from a stony gravel rise, the preferred terroir of Cabernet Sauvignon. It perfectly embodies the finesse of the great wines of Pessac-Léognan.