Alix Bern
Cellar Master
Background
Hailing from Savoie, I left my Alpine hometown to study in Lyon, where I obtained a diploma in agricultural engineering from the ISARA Agrology School. I originally specialised in agro-informatics, all the while playing horseball at a competitive level, and eventually discovered the world of wine when I came to Bordeaux in 2012 - from which point I started to refine my expertise in the field. Having spent 10 years working in IT and 20 years horseback riding, I left everything behind for my newfound passion, travelling to vineyards across Pessac-Léognan, Pomerol, Argentina, and Lebanon. Joining the Couhins team in 2020, I had one objective: making excellent wine that reflects its terroir. As the team’s EMS (Environmental Management System) representative, I am also responsible for our retention of the ISO 14001 and HVE Level 3 environmental certifications and continue to tirelessly champion new ways in which Château Couhins can reduce its impact on the environment.
My vision of Couhins
Château Couhins is the epitome of what viticulture should be, striking a balance between tradition, precision, authenticity, and sustainability. We are dedicated to proving that you can practice sustainable agriculture while staying true to Bordeaux’s age-old tradition of producing great wines that reflect their terroir.
Perfect wine pairings
Scallops paired with Château Couhins Blanc 2018
Cumin-marinated lamb paired with Couhins Rouge 2019
My favourite wines beyond Couhins
For whites, André and Michel Quenard’s Chignin Bergeron from Savoie For reds, my friend Maher Harb’s Syrah from Sept Winery in Nehla, Lebanon
Dominique Forget
General Manager
Background
Originally from Cognac, where my family produced the eponymous spirit, I was born with a bunch of Ugni Blanc in my hands! I ended up leaving my family’s estate to obtain a double agronomist and oenologist diploma from ENSA, which later became Montpellier SupAgro. After several years spent working in the Mediterranean Arc’s experimental vineyard, the INRAE entrusted me in 1999 with the direction of its Bordeaux viticultural estates: the Domaine du Grand Parc, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Château Couhins, Grand Cru Classé, in Pessac-Léognan.
In 2006, I decided to grow my own vines alongside my friends and family. As well as having the fulfilment of making my own wine, this has been a fantastic opportunity to share my passion and knowledge with my children, while spending quality time with them.
My vision of Couhins
I believe that Château Couhins is an extraordinary estate, thanks to its incredible terroirs, original and diverse, and its location and landscapes, which blur the lines between city and forest, urban and rural.
I have the responsibility of passing on this unique legacy to my successors, just like a runner during a relay race. The baton represents the absolute necessity of respecting nature, and the finish line: achieving balance at every single stage of production, so that we continue to make great and authentic wines while ensuring the sustainability of our practice – be it at the vine, grape, or wine level.
Perfect wine pairings
Sea bream fillet paired with Château Couhins Blanc 2002
Lescun ewe paired with Château Couhins Rouge 2008
Favourite wines beyond Couhins
For whites, Château d’Yquem
For reds, a Syrah from the Northern Rhône
Jérôme Miramon
Vineyard Manager
Background
Born in Southwest France, I gained a professional qualification in viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux. Thanks to my past experiences at some of the region’s most prestigious estates, including Château Malartic-Lagravière and Château Haut-Brion, I learned the demanding and rigorous work that goes into creating and tending to the best crus.
I am an extreme sports enthusiast – an interest that inspired my vehement ambition today. I’m never afraid to take on new challenges, such as our organic conversion that we initiated in 2019, or more recently, our development of new crops, such as saffron and olives.
My vision of Couhins
Château Couhins possesses a unique terroir, with soils and subsoils that allow the vines to establish deep roots and therefore develop their full potential. For me, Couhins symbolises a commitment to innovation and research in the field of viticulture, especially in terms of understanding the interactions between the sun, the plants, and the climate. In my eyes, these are all factors that contribute to the exceptional quality of our wines.
Perfect wine pairings
Spiced chicken paired with Château Couhins Blanc 2015
Venison haunch paired with Château Couhins Rouge 2018
My favourite wines beyond Couhins
For whites, Mas de Daumas Gassac
For reds, Liber Pater or the Grande Rando cuvée of Les Raisins Supendus
Norma Cuisset
Administration Manager
Background
Hailing from Mexico, I arrived in Bordeaux in 2009 with a master’s degree in tourism and over 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Given that there are more vineyards than hotels in Bordeaux, I swiftly began studying wine. This led me to a family-operated estate in Saint-Émilion, where I was fortunate to have a great winemaker – Jean-François Carrille from Château Cardinal Villemaurine – as my mentor. He shared with me his passion and principles, including a deep respect for tradition and terroir. After five years spent overseeing eonotourism and administration at the château, I left the Left Bank in 2018 to join the Château Couhins team as Administrative and Accounting Assistant. I found at Château Couhins the same passion and tradition of creating wines of outstanding quality, whilst remaining respectful of nature and the environment.
My vision of Couhins
Château Couhins is an extraordinary place that has managed to combine its past with the future, providing a stage for tradition to merge with innovation. It has achieved a balance that has allowed it to become a key sustainable actor, while its magnificent terroirs grant it the opportunity to create great wines of renowned quality.
Perfect wine pairings
Scallops served on a bed of leeks paired with Château Couhins Blanc 2018
Honeyed Magret de Canard paired with Château Couhins Rouge 2018
My favourite wines beyond Couhins
Two reds, the Petite Sirah from L.A Cetto in Mexico and Château Cardinal-Villemaurine 2002
Pierre Marazanof,
Commercial and Marketing Manager
Background
While I am originally from Bordeaux, I studied medicine at university before realising it was not the career path for me, and instead developed an interest in the field of viticulture. I undertook internships in various sectors of the industry, confirming my intrigue for this new world: at a courtier (Bureau Ripert), a négociant (Maison Géricot), an estate (Vignoble Gonet), and an oenology consultant (the Chambolle laboratory). After this, I was certain: this was the industry in which I wanted to build my career. I underwent vocational training in viticulture and oenology before acquiring a master’s degree in wine and spirits business at the Wine Institute of INSEEC Bordeaux. Following my studies, I was lucky enough to work for winemakers Gonzague and Claire Lurton (the owners of three Grands Crus Classés in the Médoc and an estate in California), where I spent six years before being appointed Commercial Manager for the North American market. Being unable to leave France to visit customers during the pandemic, I sought out a new professional challenge – leading me to become Château Couhins’ new Commercial Manager in November 2021.
My vision of Couhins
Château Couhins epitomises the future of viticulture: our work is dedicated to protecting our environment, bringing life back into the vines, and endlessly innovating. My aim as Commercial and Marketing Manager is to spread our message to as many people as possible, by highlighting and promoting the exceptional work of our technical teams.
Perfect wine pairings
Salmon-bass fillet, vegetable ravioli, and a seafood emulsion paired with Château Couhins Blanc 2016
Landes poultry and creamed peas paired with Château Couhins Rouge 2010
My favourite wines beyond Couhins
For whites, Les Christines 2019 from Gilles Berlioz in Savoie
For the reds, Château La Nerthe 2009 and Châteauneuf-du-Pape