AOC Pessac-Léognan
The special clay-gravel terroir of Château Couhins-Lurton rouge has given birth to a great left-bank Merlot: it stands out in the appellation for its extreme finesse and intensity of fruit on the finish. Its nobility and ageing potential are a credit to its rank.
Varietal
Merlot : 90%
Cabernet sauvignon : 10%
Alcohol content
14% vol.
Weather conditions
2023 was marked by a uniform start to vegetation: bud-break dates returned to normal, foliage developed rapidly and the bunches emerged beautifully. Heavy rainfall in the spring tarnished the start of the season somewhat, with mildew appearing in places. There was no hot summer in 2023, but relatively cool nights and warm but not excessively hot days in July and August created ideal ripening conditions for the grapes, which produced remarkable aromatic potential.
Harvest
14 September - 12 October 2023
Tasting
Bright red in colour, with good depth.
The nose is very expressive, dominated by fresh, juicy red fruit aromas.
On the palate, the wine is supple and rounded from the outset, with a pleasant sense of sweetness. The mid-palate is harmonious and enveloping, extending the fruit-driven profile, while the finish is fresh and well balanced, bringing energy and drinkability. A pure pleasure wine, generous and fruit-forward, distinguished by its roundness and freshness.
Terroir
Clay and gravel soil.
In the vineyard
Pruning type: Guyot Double.
Grape Harvest: Manual harvest.
Winemaking
Fermentation in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats and in stoneware amphoras.
Ageing
Aged in 500 litre barrels (no new wood) and amphoras for 9 months.
Serving
Serve between 16°C and 18°C.
Ageing potential
5 to 10 years
Food pairings
Charcuterie platter, roasted vegetable dishes, roast chicken, grilled sausages, mild hard cheeses (young Cheddar, Gouda, Edam).
Château Couhins-Lurton is the smallest of our family estates, but also the smallest of the Graves Crus Classés. Nestled on a unique clay-limestone terroir, it gives birth to Sauvignon Blancs of great minerality and to greedy, fruity Merlots. Thanks to their good acidity and low pH, these white and red wines stand out for their freshness and exceptional ageing potential, true signatures of great Bordeaux wines.
