2017 Château Branaire-Ducru: an elegant wine from a challenging year
The 2017 Château Branaire-Ducru is a wine from Saint-Julien with a story of its own. The character of the region and the conditions of the vintage together define its style. This bottle invites you to look beyond the familiar tasting notes and discover its origins as well.
The Story of the Class of 2017
The history of Château Branaire-Ducru dates back to the 18th century. In 1855, the estate was included in the famous Bordeaux classification as a Quatrième Grand Cru Classé. In 2017, Bordeaux producers faced spring frosts. The effects varied greatly by appellation and vineyard plot. Saint-Julien’s location on the Gironde River helps moderate temperatures, allowing the region to often exhibit its own distinct character. The 2017 vintage is less full-bodied than some warmer vintages, but its freshness and precision make it particularly appealing. At Branaire-Ducru, this aligns well with the estate’s elegant style, which combines structure and finesse.
Aroma and taste
Expect notes of blackcurrant, red berries, black cherries, cedar, and subtle spices. The flavor is refined rather than heavy, with fresh acidity and carefully structured tannins. The final flavor may change as a result of further aging in the bottle and the conditions under which the wine is stored.
Serving and Pairing
Serve at around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. If necessary, let the wine breathe a bit and taste how the aromas develop. Pair a red wine like this with lamb, beef, game, or a aged hard cheese. The exact pairing depends on the dish and the bottle’s age.
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