Château Brane-Cantenac - Baron de Brane Blanc 2024
In Cantenac, in the heart of the Margaux vineyard, Château Brane-Cantenac continues under the direction of Henri Lurton a work of precision that now goes beyond the sole realm of great Médoc reds. Baron de Brane Blanc 2024 is part of this recent exploration of white grape varieties, conducted with the same attention paid to soils, maturities, and balance that characterizes the estate. The 2024 vintage required constant vigilance after a particularly mild and wet winter, followed by a spring marked by strong downy mildew pressure. However, the white grape varieties resisted these delicate conditions better, and the dry but not scorching months of July and August helped preserve freshness and aromatic definition. The harvest began on September 4 and continued according to the maturity of the different plots. Sauvignon Blanc occupies a largely majority place and gives the wine its tension, brightness, and precision, while Sémillon builds more volume and depth. This new white expression of Brane-Cantenac thus reflects the terroir in a bright and contemporary register, without seeking an excessive demonstration of richness.
Baron de Brane Blanc 2024 blends 77% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Sémillon. The harvest took place from September 4 to 17, with work adapted to the maturation rhythm of each plot. Pressing is guided by tasting the juices to retain only the fractions corresponding to the desired profile. The wine then continues its aging for eight months in barrels on fine lees, with regular bâtonnage intended to develop texture and depth. Particular attention is paid to the choice of wood and toasting so that the aging supports the wine without masking the expression of the grape varieties. This approach gives the Sauvignon a lively and aromatic framework, while the Sémillon brings a more enveloping dimension to the mid-palate. With an alcohol degree of 12.06% and a pH of 3.08, the 2024 displays a particularly fresh, precise balance adapted to harmonious evolution in the bottle.
The color shows a pale luminous yellow with silvery reflections. The nose opens on white fruits and citrus, then gradually gains nuances of exotic fruits and acacia flower. Aeration reveals a more delicate expression, with fine pastry and biscuit notes linked to the work on lees and aging in wood. The palate combines a broad attack with a lively tension that immediately gives movement to the tasting. Sauvignon Blanc brings energy and precision, while Sémillon rounds the texture without weighing down the whole. The finish is long, tangy, and savory, with beautiful bitters that enhance its gastronomic character. Baron de Brane Blanc 2024 will accompany langoustines, scallops, roasted sea bass, turbot, poultry with morels, or aged goat cheese.
Grape varieties: 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Sémillon
