Chateau Couchebout

19/07/2026

19/07/2026

Our Crémant de Bordeaux is made in the traditional method the same as Champagne

We used Merlot grapes one year for a lovely pink Cremant de Bordeaux

The current Cremant de Bordeaux that is now available is made from Sav Blanc grapes

The Process:

1. hand picked
2. crushed and first fermentation is only the juice and not on the skins/pulp
3. sent off to underground cellar for 12 months where they hand turn the bottles monthly
- first step in the Crémant process is called liqueur di tirage,
- the wine is bottled and sealed not with corks but with crown caps turned monthly
- secondary fermentation in the bottle
- riddling in which wine bottles are stored so that the cork is pointed downward and each bottle is rotated slightly each month, essentially collecting the lees in the smallest possible area in the neck of the bottle.
-disgorgement: a somewhat frightening term that describes the process of removing all lees from the bottle
- then after a year you taste and determine the type

19/07/2026

2026 will be an interesting year, still too early to say what may happen; however, this is what vines do in extreme heat for prolonged periods of time:

Might be a year of Rose’ and Pink Crémant de Bordeaux

We have not experienced fruit burn nor leaf loss; that blue clay way down is holding water, and pruning the leaves has only occurred twice this year.

The Bordeaux region cannot irrigate - some silly rule

Reduced Photosynthesis: When temperatures exceed approximately 90°F, grapevines may shut down photosynthesis, hindering growth and sugar accumulation.

Leaf Loss: High temperatures can lead to leaf loss, especially in vines that are not adequately irrigated, which further exposes the grapes to harmful sunlight.

A well-developed canopy can provide essential shade to the grapes, reducing the risk of sunburn and heat stress. Growers should focus on maintaining a healthy canopy through proper irrigation and pruning techniques to ensure that the vines can cope with high temperatures effectively.

Mother Nature a nice rain 2x per week would be most grateful. Thanks you

28/06/2026

Hosted 9 students from ole miss for wine tasting yesterday.

07/05/2026

I came across this and wanted to share. Our Sauvignon Blanc is Hand-harvested, hand-pressed, and aged for one year in stainless steel with French oak staves, this wine offers beautiful fruit aromas, a smooth buttery finish, and balanced low acidity. Order your 2025 vintage today!