Château Couhins-Lurton

The estate traces its roots to the 17th century, when it was recorded as 'Bourdieu de La Gravette.' The original Couhins vineyard was divided in 1968 into two separate portions: one retained by INRA (the French national agronomic research institute) and one that came under the management of André Lurton. Lurton had begun leasing the property in 1967 and gradually acquired portions of it between 1972 and 2002. The château itself was rebuilt between 1998 and 2002, reflecting the Lurton family's long-term commitment to the estate. Red wine production, absent for nearly a century, was reintroduced in 1994. André Lurton remained the driving force until 2019, when his son Jacques Lurton assumed responsibility for the estate.

• Known as 'Bourdieu de La Gravette' in the 17th century
• Vineyard divided in 1968 between INRA and the Lurton family
• André Lurton leased from 1967 and purchased in stages through 2002
• Red wine production restarted in 1994 after nearly 100 years

Château Couhins-Lurton holds the status of Cru Classé de Graves under the 1959 Classification of Graves wines. Critically, this classification covers white wines only, placing the estate in an elite group of just three Bordeaux properties to hold such a whites-only designation. It is also the smallest of the Crus Classés de Graves. The red wines produced here, while growing in volume and quality, fall outside the classified tier and represent a more recent chapter in the estate's history.

• 1959 Classification of Graves, white wines only
• One of three Bordeaux estates classified exclusively for white wine
• Smallest estate among the Crus Classés de Graves
• Red wines are not part of the classified tier

The estate sits at elevations reaching 50 meters, with gentle slopes leading toward a tributary of the Garonne. The 19.5-hectare vineyard is divided between two distinct soil types matched to the grape varieties planted. The white wine parcels (5.5 to 6 hectares) sit on clay-limestone soils, while the 14 hectares dedicated to red varieties are planted on clay and gravel. The broader composition of the site incorporates gravel, sand, and limestone. The mild oceanic climate of Bordeaux tempers the growing season, supporting consistent ripening and the preservation of aromatic freshness in the Sauvignon Blanc.

• Clay-limestone soils for Sauvignon Blanc parcels
• Clay and gravel soils for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Peak elevation of 50 meters with gentle slopes toward the Garonne tributary
• Mild oceanic climate typical of Bordeaux

The white wines of Château Couhins-Lurton are produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, a relatively rare commitment in Pessac-Léognan, where blending with Sémillon is common. The result is wines with outstanding aromatic profiles, marked mineral character, and a distinctive purity of fruit. The red wines, which represent the larger share of production by area, are built around 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering a fruity, smooth style that reflects the estate's gravel-rich terroir. Red production accounts for 14 hectares, though the whites remain the estate's flagship and the source of its classified status.

• Whites are 100% Sauvignon Blanc, unusual for Pessac-Léognan
• Reds are 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
• White wines are noted for mineral character and aromatic intensity
• Red wines display a fruity, smooth profile