Château Branaire-Ducru

The history of the estate

The Domaine de Beychevelle, its original name, was purchased in 1680 by Jean-Baptiste Braneyre, from whom its history begins. The estate is located in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, within the future Saint-Julien AOC area. In 1824, a château was built and later passed into the hands of Gustave Ducru. The château became known as Château Branaire-Ducru. In 1855, the estate was classified as the fourth grand classé in the Gironde wine classification for the Universal Exhibition.

In 1988, the château, 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 areas 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 through his position as President of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux from 2000 to 2008, then of the AOC Saint-Julien from 2004 to 2017. Since 2017, his son François-Xavier has taken over the reins of the estate.

The terroir

Right in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Branaire-Ducru is surrounded by all the other major AOCs and grands crus classés of the region.

Rooted in gravel soils, made up of gravel and pebbles washed down by the Garonne in the Quaternary period, the vines grow on rounded hills overlooking the Gironde estuary. This terroir is one of the warmest in the region. In all, the vineyard comprises some fifteen micro-terroirs, on over 60 hectares of vines averaging 35 years old.

These vines are planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, which, thanks to its perfect ripening, develops complexity, structure and power while retaining aromatic freshness. The 28% Merlot flourishes on clay beds, bringing suppleness and roundness to the wine. 3% Cabernet France provides the floral touch, and 4% Petit Verdot adds spicy notes in delicate blends.

The wines

The Château Branaire-Ducru is a wine that reflects the passion that has driven several generations of the families that have succeeded each other at the head of the estate. Evolving each year over time,this wine has created its own style emblematic of the château's history 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 quicker to drink, while retaining good ageing potential.