BRANAIRE DUCRU 2017

Branaire Ducru

Château Comments

Branaire Ducru is one of the great classics of Saint-Julien. Its aesthetics may be more subdued than its neighboring Château Beychevelle, yet it too produces an exceptional wine. This Fourth Grand Cru Classé is robust and full-bodied, boasting an intriguing aromatic profile where the dominance of cabernet is marked by very distinct notes of blackcurrant. Complementing this nuanced bouquet of fragrances are hints of plum, cedarwood, and in some years, chocolate. This makes it a magnificent wine for aging.

History of the Château

Château Branaire Ducru was established in the 17th century. When Château Beychevelle was put up for sale by the heirs of the Duke of Epérnon, it was divided into three separate estates: the current Château Beychevelle, Château Ducru Beaucaillou, and Château Branaire Ducru. Jean-Bapstiste Braneyre became the purchaser of the estate, which he named after himself in 1680. His descendants, the Dulucs, prospered the estate and in the 1855 classification, Château Branaire Ducru achieved the status of Fourth Grand Cru Classé. In 1860, the Dulucs sold the estate to Gustave Ducru who added his name to the château. Upon his death, the estate changed hands several times until it was finally acquired by the family group led by Patrick Maroteaux in 1988. This wine enthusiast, who was also the president of the French group Sucre Union, found the terroir he was looking for to create a great wine. This entrepreneur significantly modernized his equipment and under his leadership, the château regained the status it deserved. Quickly adopted by the Médoc, the businessman was elected head of the Union of Grand Crus, then president of the Saint-Julien syndicate. To achieve his goals, Patrick Maroteaux surrounded himself with a passionate and efficient team, led by Jean-Dominique Videau.

<b>Today...</b>

François-Xavier, Patrick Maroteaux's son, has now joined him at the château. He aims to create a modern and appealing style, both for the grand wine and the second wine, Duluc de Branaire: “We have given a real identity to our wines over the past 27 years with a distinctive character centered around 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 infuse this unique humanity into the Médoc vineyard.