Château La Branne

In the Médoc peninsula, 70 km north of Bordeaux, is the renowned wine-growing town of Bégadan, where the Château La Branne vineyard stretches, between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally the family property counted only 2 hectares of vines. Unable to imagine a profession other than winegrower, Philippe Videau took over the small farm in 1986 and over the years made it grow to reach today 25 hectares of vineyards with different and complementary terroirs.

In 1999, in order to make the most of the potential of the vineyard, we decided to vinify our wine within the estate. Then begins the history of Château La Branne.

CHÂTEAU LA BRANNE has been classified CRU BOURGEOIS since the 2008 vintage. The "Cru Bourgeois" quality approach is annual. It consists of a verification through an audit of the property as well as a blind tasting of the vintage presented. The "Cru Bourgeois" approach validates the real quality of a wine over a given volume and guarantees it to the end consumer. Each stage of obtaining the "Cru Bourgeois" designation is controlled by an independent body: Bureau Veritas. It brings to the mention "Cru bourgeois" an impartiality at all stages.

To develop a quality, regular wine, typical of the Médoc appellation, cultural practices are essential. We therefore chose to let the terroir express itself, based on the principles of Reasoned Agriculture. The Reasoned Agriculture certification in 2006 is the result of work that respects the environment.

"Château La Branne" is made up of 3 types of complementary terroirs:
- gravelly sand for finesse and roundness
- gravelly clay for the aromatic complexity
- limestone clay for structure and tannins

To obtain a quality wine and to keep, the Médoc varietals are distributed on the property in the following proportions:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: 50%
- Merlot: 48%
- Petit Verdot: 2%

It is the alliance of these terroirs and grape varieties that are revealed to you when you taste "Château La Branne".

To fix the date of the harvest is always a delicate decision, because it is the culmination of a year of work. We regularly take grapes from the property, which are analyzed to determine the optimal harvest date. But the climatic conditions of the region are also essential in the choice of the date.

In the vat, the harvest is vinified in accordance with the Médoc tradition, the vinification temperatures are controlled and regulated. This process makes it possible to obtain a wine which is at the same time fruity, supple, oily and of aging.

The work of the vine is traditional, with a permanent concern to respect the vineyard. During the winter, when the vine is resting, the double Guyot pruning prepares the future harvest.

In spring, suckering helps keep the best fruits. Thus production is more homogeneous and better controlled for average yields of 50 hl per hectare.

Summer is a crucial season in the vineyard cycle. It is necessary to take care of the good sanitary state of the vineyard so that the maturity of the grape is perfect. Reasoned control makes it possible to intervene in the event of a risk of disease and to reduce the application of non-residual products. In July, leaf stripping on the rising sun side of the vine allows ventilation of the grapes and good maturity.

The entire vineyard is grassed to control production and avoid too much water supply for the vine. Grass also plays an ecological role, because it avoids the phenomena of soil erosion.

In order to reveal all the character and typicity of the wine by a gentle extraction of the tannins, a post-fermentation maceration is carried out for 3 weeks.

The "Château La Branne" will then age in oak barrels for 12 months. For a harmonious blend of wood and fruit, 30% of the barrels are renewed each year, giving subtle notes of vanilla.