Couhins- l’histoire

Origins:
The Graves is one of the oldest vineyard areas in Bordeaux, and Couhins is one of the oldest vineyard estates in the Graves. With a history dating back to the 17th century, it was originally composed of two estates – Domaine de la Gavette and Domaine du Pont de Langon – which eventually merged, giving rise to Château Couhins.

In 1883, the property was acquired by Bordeaux merchant Constantin Hanappier before being consolidated - through marriages and inheritances - into the holdings of the Gasqueton family, then-owners of two Saint-Éstèphe châteaux, Calon-Ségur and Capbern Gasqueton. Under Édouard Casqueton’s leadership, the 60-hectare estate began to establish a reputation for producing exceptional wines.

Recognition:
At the request of the Syndicat de Défense de l’Appellation des Graves, the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) established a classification of the region’s best wines in 1959.  Based on the scores provided by the Bordeaux courtiers judging the classification, Château Couhins was awarded the Grand Cru Classé de Graves title. The estate was widely recognized at that time, with the barrels commonly fetching 60,000 Francs each - making it one of the most successful Crus Classés de Graves.

Uncertainty,  Upheaval and Renaissance:
The death of Édouard Gasqueton in 1962 marked the start of a period of difficulties for the Couhins vineyard, which was weakened by the freezing weather of February 1956 and successive heat spells in 1959 and 1961. Severe vine damage led Gasqueton’s widow to uproot most of the vines in 1967.  At this point Andre Lurton stepped up as a volunteer to manage the remaining 5.25 acres of vines.  Three years later, the vineyard was sold to the SAFER (Société d’Aménagement Foncier et d’Établissement Rural), which undertook to divide and sell it.  The abandoned Chateau and cellars were sold to Gilbert Compte, while the remaining land was purchased by the Institut National de la Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (the French National Institute of Agricultural Research, INRAE).  INRAE initially had a leasing agreement with Lurton, allowing him to work the vinyards and operate under the name Couhins-Lurton.  In 1972, Lurton purchased 1.5 acres of vineyard from INRAE, then purchased the original chateau buildings and grounds in 1992, and has since operated as Chateau Couhins-Lurton, out of the restored original Couhins cellars.  The chateau has since been fully renovated.

INRAE restructured the vineyard by designating new plots and restoring the drainage network: four kilometres of ditches and six kilometres of paths and rows were created, with a further 30 hectares of land reconditioned to ensure optimal drainage and promote healthy vine root development. A rigorous and detailed soil map was drawn up, using a 50-metre grid to gain insight into the soil’s diversity - an essential exercise that was paramount in guiding subsequent replanting choices.

Couhins- viticulture & vinification

Three major terroir zones can be found on the property’s soil map :

The Graves croupe: a layer of pebbles resting on a compact clay subsoil. It is particularly suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety that requires water stress to express its full potential.

The clay-limestone slope: located on the northern hillside, it is the coolest part of the estate, composed of brittle limestone. These soils retain water for the plant to access during periods of excessive heat, and are therefore perfectly suited to drought-sensitive Sauvignon Blanc. From these grapes the estate producs wines that boast the largest aromatic range within their entire portfolio, with exceptional texture and a perfect balance between freshness, softness, and length.

The sand and gravel plateau: this soil was created from the erosion of the croupe de Graves. It is characterized by a clay subsoil over which a layer of sand, gravel, and clay was formed, encouraging a slow and progressive maturation for the Cabernets and Merlot.

In 2000, Couhins adopted a series of environmentally-conscious practices, including prohibiting the use of herbicides. From that point on, Dominique and the team have strived tirelessly to reinstate life within the vineyard – in the soils, between the vines, and around the plots.
This approach required several years to implement and integrate it wholly into the estate’s daily operations. The estate was certified organic in 2022.

Biodiversity & agroecology :
Since 2000, they have inter-planted hedges and flower strips, creating ecological corridors where insects, birds, and other vertebrates can seek shelter.

Saffron has been planted between the vines to be dried, conditioned, and later sold, and also acts as a food source for early-season pollinators.

Since 2023, olive trees have been growing around the estate and will soon see their first harvest – a major achievement in Dominique’s quest for polyculture

They have installed nesting boxes to house the birds and bats that prey on vine pests. Excellent honey is also produced from the beehives located on the outskirts of the château near our local stream, the Eau Blanche.

In terms of viticulture, the estate’s greatest success has no doubt been the planting of white varietals on its superb northern slope, which had long remained undeveloped due to the cooler climate of yesteryear, and subsequently planted with Cabernet Sauvignon due to its gravel soils.