Branaire-Ducru is one of the great classics of Saint-Julien. It is a more understated property, aesthetically, than its neighbor Château Beychevelle, but it is also the source of an excellent wine. This firm and full-bodied Fourth Grand Cru Classé develops a very interesting aromatic palette, where the dominance of Cabernet is characterized by very pronounced notes of blackcurrant. Plum, cedarwood, and in certain years chocolate, complete this subtle anthology of scents offered by this great wine for aging.

Château Branaire-Ducru was founded in the 17th century. When Château Beychevelle was put up for sale by the heirs of the Duc d'Épernon, it was divided into three distinct properties: the current Château Beychevelle, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, and Château Branaire-Ducru. Jean-Baptiste Braneyre acquired the estate and gave it his name in 1680. His descendants, the Duluc family, developed the estate, and during the 1855 Classification, Château Branaire-Ducru achieved the rank of Fourth Grand Cru Classé. In 1860, the Duluc family sold the estate to Gustave Ducru, who added his name to that of the château. Following his death, the estate changed hands several times before finally coming under the ownership of the family group presided over by Patrick Maroteaux in 1988. A wine lover and also president of the French group Sucre Union, he found the terroir he had been searching for to craft a great wine. This entrepreneur significantly modernized the facilities, and under his leadership, the château regained the status it deserves. Quickly embraced by the Médoc, the businessman was elected head of the Union des Grands Crus, and later president of the Saint-Julien syndicate. To achieve his goals, Patrick Maroteaux surrounded himself with a passionate and high-performing team, led by Jean-Dominique Videau.
Today...
François-Xavier, Patrick Maroteaux's son, has now joined him at the château. He aims to create a modern and seductive style, whether for the grand vin or the second wine, Duluc de Branaire: "We have given the wines a true identity over the past 27 years, with a well-defined character centered on style and quality. Our goal is to go as far as possible in expressing the terroir according to the 3 F method: Fruit, Freshness, Finesse." Driven by this ambition, father and son continue to instill a human touch to the vines that is unique in the Médoc.