Château Couhins-Lurton 2020

A white Graves Classified Growth with a beautiful balance between acidity and complexity

The estate

At the end of the 17th century, Château Couhins-Lurton appeared in history, peacefully traversing the centuries thanks to the good care of the Blanchereau family. In 1959, the estate was recognised for the quality of its white wines, entering the INAO (National Institute of origin and quality) classification of Graves Classified Growths. On the other hand, lower quantities of red wines are produced. When, in 1967, André Lurton caught wind of a vine uprooting project on the château’s soils, he did not hesitate to rent the plots of the estates in question and, in 1992, he succeeded in acquiring the whole estate. He then embarked on the ambitious project of restoring the château’s reputation by putting the spotlight on traditional red grape varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyard

Château Couhins-Lurton covers 21 hectares of vines in Villenave d’Ornon. Deeply rooted in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the estate benefits from an exceptional terroir at the heart of the Graves region and an oceanic climate characterised by its mildness. The 2020 Château Couhins-Lurton comes from 6 hectares of 27-year-old white vines which cover a gentle slope, descending towards a tributary of the Garonne. There, the soils are made up of sand, gravel and limestone, which, in particular, allows the Sauvignon Blanc to unveil its finest aromatic expression. The estate is certified as High Environmental Value (level 3/3).

The vintage

The 2020 vintage stood out though its exceptional ripening conditions for its white wines. The berries are harvested well in advance, starting on 17 August. This gives the wines a rich and unctuous quality, balanced out by an acidity that was worked on during winemaking.

The winemaking and ageing

After the manual harvests and following pressing and settling, the grapes ferment in barrels.

The blend

Sauvignon Blanc.

The tasting

The 2020 Château Couhins-Lurton is a lovely wine with a wonderful harmony between richness and acidity. This gives the cuvée a beautiful complexity.