The 2017 Ch\u00e2teau 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.<\/p>\n
The history of Ch\u00e2teau Branaire-Ducru dates back to the 18th century. In 1855, the estate was included in the famous Bordeaux classification as a Quatri\u00e8me Grand Cru Class\u00e9. In 2017, Bordeaux producers faced spring frosts. The effects varied greatly by appellation and vineyard plot. Saint-Julien\u2019s 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\u2019s elegant style, which combines structure and finesse.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s age.<\/p>\n
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