Chateau Brane Cantenac Margaux 2009 (1x75cl)

Château Brane-Cantenac is located in the Bordeaux commune of Margaux, on the left bank of the Gironde. It was founded in the 18th Century by the Gorce family and ranked as a second growth in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc and Graves. Today it is owned by Henri Lurton, a man whose philosophy is very much based on a hands-on approach to his vines and winemaking rather than relying too much on technology. The vineyards are planted atop sandy, gravel-based soils interspersed with large pebbles. These pebbles hold onto warmth from the sun, and the gravel in the soils allows for excellent water drainage around the vines. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted here alongside Cabernet Franc and, surprisingly, Carménère. The variety was widely planted across the Medoc in the 18th Century but was pulled out of many vineyards because of its inability to fully flourish in Bordeaux's maritime climate. However, climate change has altered the terroir in Bordeaux, and growers have begun to experiment with Carménère. Brane-Cantenac has taken full advantage of the variety and, since 2011, has been including a small portion of it in the grand vin. The estate has 75 hectares (185 acres) of vineyards, 15ha (37 acres) of which sit behind the château itself and are used to produce the Brane-Cantenac grand vin. There is also a vineyard, Notton, on a high gravel plateau above the château, which produces Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the best of which is also included in the grand vin blend. Brane-Cantenac is aged for 18 months in new oak barrels. The second wine, Baron de Brane, is named after the 19th Century owner of the same name and is made from younger vines and aged for only 12 months in oak.