Château Branaire-Ducru

The history of the estate

The estate of Beychevelle, its original name, was purchased in 1680 by Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, from which its history begins. The property is located in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, within the future Saint-Julien AOC area. In 1824, a castle was built and it later passed into the hands of Gustave Ducru. The castle is thus called Château Branaire-Ducru. In 1855, the estate is classified fourth great classified on the occasion of the classification of the wines of Gironde for the universal exhibition.

In 1988, the château, which had been dormant for decades, was bought by Patrick Maroteaux and his family: a new page in the history of this classified growth began. The estate was renovated from top to bottom and work was undertaken in all sectors of the property: the vineyard, the vat room, the cellars, and the residence.

In addition, Patrick Maroteaux is one of the ambassadors of Bordeaux wines via his position as president of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux from 2000 to 2008, and then of the AOC Saint-Julien from 2004 to 2017. Since 2017, it is his son, François-Xavier, who takes over the reins of the estate.

The terroir

In the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Branaire-Ducru is surrounded by all the other great AOCs as well as the great classified growths of the region.

Rooted in gravel soils, made up of gravel and pebbles carried by the Garonne River in the quaternary period, the vines crisscross the rounded hills, overlooking the Gironde estuary. This terroir is one of the warmest in the region. In all, the vineyard has about 15 micro-terroirs, on more than 60 hectares of vines that are on average 35 years old.

On these vines, there is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, which, thanks to its perfect ripening, develops complexity, structure and power while maintaining aromatic freshness. The 28% of Merlot blossoms on clay beds to bring suppleness and roundness to the wine. 3% Cabernet France provides the floral touch, and 4% Petit Verdot provides the spicy notes in delicate blends.

The wines

The Château Branaire-Ducru is a wine that reflects the passion that has driven the several generations of families that have succeeded each other at the head of the estate. Evolving each year over time,this wine has been able to create its style emblematic of the history of the château and the terroir on which it is situated.

The Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is the second wine of Château Branaire-Ducru, lighter and more voluble than its big brother. Still elegant, it doesn't lose the imprint of the house and its terroir, but it will be more quickly drinkable, while retaining good aging potential.