CHATEAU BRANAIRE-DUCRU

On the Left Bank, in the appellation of Saint-Julien, Château Branaire- Ducru's beginnings date as far back as 1680, and its main wine is classified as one of the ten Fourth Growths in the Official Classification of 1855.

Since purchasing Branaire-Ducru in 1988 from the Tapie family, owner Patrick Maroteaux has done extensive work on all aspects of the property, including the introduction of a state-of-the-art, gravity-operated cellar (the first in Bordeaux). He is credited with getting Branaire-Ducru back on track, introducing more depth and concentration to what was already an elegant wine. He was ably assisted by Philippe Dhalluin, who left in 2004 to take over the winemaking duties at Château Mouton Rothschild.

All Maroteaux’ hard work has paid dividends, with Branaire-Ducru now one of the leading Saint-Julien wines. Its 60 hectares are planted in 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, and it is one of the better value, high quality Bordeaux wines on the market.