The long history of Chateau Branaire-Ducru coincides with that of the (usually gentlemanly) stuggle for power between the bourgeoisie and nobles for possession of land in the Médoc before the French Revolution.
Since 1988, Patrick Maroteaux and Philippe Dhalluin, respectively President and Managing Director of Branaire-Ducru, have been reviving the competition, and the wine media are sitting up and taking notice.
Branaire's many old vines and perfectly kept vineyards, some of which are newly planted, are decided strong points.
Philippe Dhalluin explains: "The very gravelly soil, as well as the high average age of the vines, account for Branaire-Ducru's low yields.
Care is taken to control the vigour of the young vines. Rather than resorting to thinning out, which we find somewhat brutal, we prefer to let grass grow between the rows in plots of young vines. This is an entirely natural way of limiting production. It also has the advantage of fighting drought conditions since vine roots must go deep down into the soil to find water, and are thus able to cope with long dry spells".
This new viticultural policy did not take long to produce positive results. Branaire's vineyard strategy has shown through in consistently high quality wine that reflects the full potential of premium winegrowing soil.
The cellar and technical installations were totally revamped and do full justice to renovation work in the vineyards. The vatroom is remarkably well-designed and laid out on three levels to make maximum use of gravity flow. Small vats also facilitate separate fermentation of small batches from individual vineyard parcels.
The vats are much wider than they are tall, to enhance contact between juice and skins, for optimum extraction. The sloping bottom part means that the wine can be run off by gravity flow.
The new winemaking facility makes it easy to reflect the complexity and personality of Château Branaire's soil.
A second wine, Château Duluc, takes up one third of production, in keeping with the estates quality strategy. Château Duluc is primarily produced from young vines, but is made and aged with the same loving care as the grand vin.
The property has now come into its full stride in terms of quantity. Improved quality and the renovation of cellar and vineyards mean that Branaire-Ducru has once again reached its former, widely-acknowledged, level of excellence.
Patrick Maroteaux is in charge of relations with the traditional Bordeaux wine trade, responsible forworldwide distribution of Branaire-Ducru, adding the final touch to the recovery of this great growth's fine image.
Château Branaire / 1994 vintage
Deep garnet-red colour. Powerful, complex nose of candied fruit, vanilla, flowers, spice and mineral aromas. This wine has a very attractive structure on the palate, with rich tannin, an opulent finish and a broad palette of flavours.
Château Duluc / 1994 vintage
Beautiful, deep, crimson colour. The bouquet has ripe berry overtones. The wine starts out forcefully on the palate. Flavoursome with velvety tannin. The general impression is that of a youthful wine with personality and a touch of spice.
Château Branaire / 1995 vintage
Unusually dark, garnet-red colour. The bouquet is typical of the chateau: blueberry, gooseberry, cherry and hints of licorice. The initial impression on the palate is both powerful and well-defined. The wine fills out tremendously and becomes simultaneously rich, full, soft and elegant. The aftertaste is slightly peppery and quite long. An outstanding bottle of wine.
Château Duluc / 1995 vintage
Beautiful, deep, dark colour. Floral, fruity bouquet of some complexity. This wine is full of promise and the breeding of its excellent terroir clearly shows through.
Château Branaire / 1996 vintage
Deep garnet-red colour. Bouquet reminiscent of flowers, berries, redcurrant and spice. "... This is undoubtedly one of the most successful wines produced by the present winemaking team. 1996 Branaire is rich, round, lush, tannic and very Cabernet, yet without any astringency. Delicate but substantial... "
Château Duluc / 1996 vintage
It is not surprising that this is one of the finest Dulucs ever made in light of the exceptional quality of the vintage. A classic wine with good ageing potential.
