CHATEAU DE BRANAIRE-DUCRU

Château Branaire-Ducru is a renowned Bordeaux wine estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Médoc, France, classified as a Quatrième Grand Cru Classé (Fourth Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification.  The estate is situated near the Gironde estuary and is surrounded by other famous Médoc neighbours, such as Château Beychevelle, Ducru-Beaucaillou, and Gruaud-Larose. 

The history of Château Branaire-Ducru dates back to 1680, when Jean-Baptiste Braneyre acquired part of the great Beychevelle estate; later the Duluc family built the present château in 1824, and in 1857 the property took on the name Branaire-Ducru after Gustave Ducru.  After several changes in ownership, the estate was purchased in 1988 by Patrick Maroteaux, who undertook extensive vineyard and cellar renovations to elevate quality.  Today it is owned and managed by François-Xavier Maroteaux, continuing its legacy of refinement and excellence. 

The vineyard covers roughly 60 hectares planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc on classic gravel and siliceous alluvial soils — a terroir well-suited to Cabernet ripening and the elegant style for which Saint-Julien is known.  Vines average about 35 years of age, with some older parcels contributing depth and complexity. 

Château Branaire-Ducru produces its grand vin, Château Branaire-Ducru, noted for its balance of fruit, freshness, and finesse, with flavours often described as black fruit, spice, and floral nuances and a silky texture.  The estate also makes a second wine, Duluc de Branaire-Ducru, drawn from younger vines and offering an approachable yet structured Bordeaux expression. 

Across vintages, Branaire-Ducru wines are appreciated for their elegant refinement and ageing potential, capable of evolving beautifully over a decade or more.