Wines Margaux Château Brane-Cantenac - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Château Brane-Cantenac 2017 is a fine red wine from the prestigious Margaux appellation in the Médoc, Bordeaux. It is primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, and small quantities of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère. The 2017 vintage weathered challenging climatic conditions, including a notable spring frost, resulting in lower yields but wines of great purity and elegance. The gravelly, well-drained soils of Brane-Cantenac’s vineyards encourage deep-rooted vines and contribute to the aromatic finesse and refined tannic structure typical of this château. Vinification here is meticulous, with careful sorting and gentle extraction to highlight the estate’s characteristic perfume, freshness, and silkiness.

Margaux, sitting on the left bank of the Gironde, is renowned for producing some of the most perfumed and delicate wines in Bordeaux. The climate is moderately temperate, shielded from Atlantic extremes by forest belts, allowing steady ripening of the grapes. The unique gravely soils are particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, imparting both elegance and depth to the wines. Margaux’s history is illustrious, with several of its châteaux classified among the greatest in the 1855 ranking, and Brane-Cantenac is recognised as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru).

This vintage’s elegance and finely textured tannins make it an excellent companion to classic French dishes such as roasted rack of lamb with herbs, duck breast with red berry sauce, or beef fillet in Bordelaise sauce. For a true regional pairing, consider a canard aux cèpes or entrecôte à la bordelaise. Mature hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda also complement the wine’s structure and aromatic complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for one to two hours before serving to allow it to reveal its nuances. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to showcase its delicate violet and cassis nose, refined palate, and persistent, silky finish. This Margaux is already accessible but will continue to develop beautifully over the next five to ten years.