Château Brane Cantenac 2013 is a classic Margaux from a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé from the 1855 classification. This vintage has a remarkably high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving the wine more structure, cassis fruit, and aging potential than you would expect from many softer Margaux styles. The wine has now developed beautiful maturity, with cedar, violets, dark fruit, and refined tannins in an elegant Bordeaux style.
Château Brane Cantenac is located in Cantenac, within the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux.
Location / Origin: The Grand Vin comes from the Brane plateau, on Terrasse 4, a core area within the estate where the grapes build more density, structure, and aging potential.
Soil: The vineyards on the plateau are on deep gravel soils with clay subsoil. Gravel provides drainage and heat retention, while clay helps to provide moisture to the vine during dry periods.
Vineyard & Harvest: The grapes for this vintage were harvested between September 25 and October 7. Selection was important, as the best parcels were needed to maintain the structure and balance of the Grand Vin.
The cellar approach focuses on precision, structure, and a classic Margaux expression.
Fermentation: Vinification takes place in wooden vats. This approach is suitable for a Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend, as extraction, temperature, and tannins can be carefully controlled.
Aging / Oak Maturation: Aging in French oak gives the wine extra breadth, cedar, subtle toast, and a more polished tannin structure. The oak primarily supports the aging notes and allows the dark fruit and floral Margaux style to remain clearly present.
This Margaux has an exceptionally high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon within the blend.
84% Cabernet Sauvignon – Margaux: Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of this vintage, providing cassis, graphite, structure, and length.
14% Merlot – Margaux: Merlot adds roundness, riper red fruit, and suppleness to the firm Cabernet Sauvignon base.
2% Cabernet Franc – Margaux: Cabernet Franc brings floral lift, refinement, and a subtle spicy nuance to the blend.
