In Margaux, the landscape is generally described through the lens of Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep gravel soils, the slow maturation of tannins, and grand red blends have dominated the narrative for over a century. Yet, at the Lurton family estate, a different interpretation of the terroir is now taking shape through a white wine.
The Baron de Brane Blanc 2024 was produced under challenging climatic conditions. A particularly wet and mild winter led to high pressure from downy mildew starting in the spring. However, the white grape varieties’ lower susceptibility to the disease, combined with the teams’ vigilance, made it possible to preserve the integrity of the harvest. The months of July and August, which were dry but not excessively hot, then helped preserve the balance of aromas and acidity sought after in contemporary white wines. The harvest began on September 4.
The blend consists of 77% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Sémillon. This ratio emphasizes tension and aromatic precision while preserving the Sémillon’s ability to add body and depth.
What sets this vintage apart above all is the continuity of the winemaking process. At Brane-Cantenac, winemaking is not viewed as a series of independent steps but as a coherent process. Pressing is guided by tastings of the juices. Aging takes place for eight months on fine lees in barrels, with regular stirring and rigorous selection of the barrels at the time of blending.
This attention to the container is no mere detail. For several years now, the estate has been working on a particularly meticulous selection of oak, toasting levels, and aging methods. For white wines, the focus is on preserving varietal aromas and freshness. Certain practices, such as pre-soaking the barrels, are specifically designed to limit the aromatic impact of the oak so that it complements the wine rather than overpowering it.
Detail
Blend: 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Sémillon
Harvest: September 4–17, 2024, depending on the vineyard block
Aging: eight months in barrels on fine lees
Alcohol: 12.06% vol.
pH: 3.08
On the palate, the winery describes a profile centered on white fruits, exotic fruits, and acacia blossoms. On the palate, it combines fullness and freshness, carried by a tangy and savory finish. Even more interesting is the presence of biscuity notes on the aftertaste, likely due to aging on lees and in oak.
Beyond its organoleptic qualities, Baron de Brane Blanc reflects a subtle evolution in the Bordeaux wine region. Long defined by its great reds, Bordeaux is now seeing some historic estates explore new expressions of their terroirs. At Brane-Cantenac, this diversification is by no means a passing trend. It stems from the same obsession that has guided the estate for several generations: understanding the soil with sufficient precision to allow it to speak in multiple languages.
Cette publication est également disponible en :
