Wines Margaux Château Brane-Cantenac - 2022

Château Brane-Cantenac 2022 is a distinguished red wine hailing from the Margaux appellation, one of Bordeaux’s most renowned communes. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot, this wine exemplifies both the elegance and depth characteristic of the terroir. The 2022 vintage bears the imprint of a sun-drenched growing season, resulting in ripe, concentrated fruit, supported by a fine tannic structure. Traditional vinification in temperature-controlled vats, followed by ageing in high-quality French oak barrels, imparts refinement and longevity to this Grand Cru Classé.

Margaux is situated in the southern part of Bordeaux’s celebrated Médoc peninsula, along the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Here, vineyards thrive on deep, well-drained gravel soils, interspersed with sand and clay pockets, encouraging the roots to seek water at depth and imbuing the wines with remarkable finesse. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, moderated by coastal breezes and the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Margaux is historically regarded as the birthplace of some of Bordeaux’s most perfumed and delicate wines, and its Grand Cru Classé estates such as Brane-Cantenac are synonymous with tradition and excellence.

A young Margaux like this one pairs sublimely with roasted rack of lamb infused with herbs, delicately grilled duck breast, or a classic tournedos Rossini. For a local touch, consider accompanying it with entrecôte à la bordelaise or pigeon farci, dishes that highlight the supple texture and aromatic complexity. Mature cheeses such as a fine Comté or Cantal also provide an excellent counterpoint to its silky tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine at least one hour prior to serving to allow it to reveal its aromatic bouquet. Serve between 16-18°C to preserve both the vibrancy of the fruit and the wine’s nuanced structure. At this young stage, the wine is expressive yet will beautifully evolve with cellaring over the next decade or more.