Wines Margaux Château Brane-Cantenac - 2016

Château Brane-Cantenac 2016 is a quintessential Margaux, offering the refinement and complexity emblematic of this prestigious appellation. Composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, harmoniously blended with Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2016 vintage benefits from an excellent year, marked by a balanced growing season and ideal harvest conditions. The terroir of Brane-Cantenac, featuring deep gravel soils atop clay and sand, imparts a signature elegance and structure, while meticulous vinification in stainless steel and ageing in French oak barrels, around two-thirds new, adds another layer of aromatic depth and finesse. This vintage expresses itself through dark berry fruit, cassis, violets and subtle hints of cedar and tobacco, with silky tannins and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.

The Margaux appellation, situated in the southern Médoc of Bordeaux, is celebrated for its gravelly plateau—one of the finest in the region—which provides excellent drainage and encourages the vines to root deep, resulting in wines of great delicacy and perfume. The proximity to the Gironde estuary regulates temperatures and protects against spring frosts, contributing to consistent ripening. Margaux boasts a rich history, often referred to as the “feminine” side of Médoc for the sensuality and charm of its wines, a character superbly captured by Château Brane-Cantenac.

For food pairings, the elegance of this Margaux lends itself beautifully to classic French dishes such as roasted rack of lamb, filet de bœuf with wild mushrooms or duck breast with a red wine reduction. Regional cheeses like aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire also accentuate the wine’s nuances. For a local touch, try entrecôte à la bordelaise, which echoes the wine’s depth and grace.

Serve Château Brane-Cantenac 2016 at 16-18°C, ideally after an hour’s decanting to allow its complex bouquet to fully reveal itself. This wine, while enjoyable now, has excellent ageing potential, promising further aromatic evolution and integration over the next decade.