Chateau Brane Cantenac - Baron de Brane

Tasting Notes from the Curator

Chateau Brane Cantenac - Baron de Brane offers a sensory journey through the exquisite terroir of Margaux. The nose is a kaleidoscope of aromas: dark bramble fruits, a rich invitation; crème de cassis, adding depth and sweetness; and licorice, subtly sweet and herbal. Bittersweet chocolate and Asian spices—star anise, clove—contribute to a luxurious aromatic profile, while violets lend floral elegance. Smoky notes intertwine with earthy forest floor, and cedar offers a woody, resinous complexity. The aromatic journey is further enriched with thyme, rosemary, and a medley of red and black fruits—cherries, plums, blackberries—as well as nuanced cedar and cigar wrapper aromas, culminating in a sophisticated spice finish. On the palate, the wine reveals an intricate and evolving flavor profile. Succulent ripe cherry introduces juiciness and sweetness, melding seamlessly with black pepper and clove spices. Rustic leather and black fruits—blackberries, blackcurrants—provide earthy, rich undertones, complemented by savory herbs like thyme and rosemary. The flavors of raspberries and red cherries add a fresh, bright contrast, while cassis and blackberry offer sweet, slightly tart notes. Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg spice, luxurious chocolatey nuances, and creamy black cherries contribute to the richness. A refreshing peppery spearmint finish rounds out the complex flavor profile. The texture is equally captivating, characterized by its smoothness and well-integrated tannins, which enhance drinkability. The medium-bodied structure strikes a balance between substance and approachability, while a vibrant freshness invigorates the palate. Silky-textured tannins glide effortlessly, providing elegance and refinement. The wine’s density in the middle adds weight and substance, leading to a medium-to-long lifted finish that is both refreshing and lingering. Overall, it delivers a round, soft, creamy mouthfeel that is balanced and elegant, making it a true pleasure to drink.

Pairings & Suggestions

Red Meats

• Beef Wellington: Indulge in a tender beef fillet wrapped in mushroom duxelles and puff pastry. The black fruit, spice, and leather notes of Chateau Brane Cantenac - Baron de Brane harmonize beautifully with the dish, creating a symphony of flavors.

• Grilled Ribeye Steak: Seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, this robust steak complements the ripe cherry and spice flavors of the wine. The medium-bodied structure and silky tannins provide a balanced and elegant mouthfeel.

Lamb

• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb: Aromatic herbs enhance the savory herbs and red fruits in the wine. The richness of the lamb is complemented by the wine’s smooth texture and balanced mouthfeel.

• Lamb Shank with Rosemary and Garlic: Slow-cooked with rosemary and garlic, the lamb pairs wonderfully with the blackberries, plums, and subtle spices in the wine. The medium-to-long finish elevates the hearty profile of the dish.

Game

• Roast Venison with Juniper Berries: Gamey and earthy flavors aligned with the forest floor, cedar, and herbs in the wine. The medium-bodied structure and fresh tannins enhance the complexity.

• Venison Stew: Slow-cooked with root vegetables and red wine, this dish pairs perfectly with the black fruit, spice, and savory herbs in the wine. The balanced, elegant mouthfeel complements the depth of the stew.

Duck

• Roasted Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce: Succulent duck with cherry sauce pairs beautifully with ripe cherries, spice, and leather in the wine. The richness is balanced by the wine’s smooth texture and well-integrated tannins.

• Duck Confit: Tender and savory with crispy skin, this dish complements the cassis, blackberry, and subtle spice in the wine. The medium-bodied structure and silky tannins enhance the complexity.

Rich, Savory Dishes

• Beef Bourguignon: Slow-cooked beef with red wine, mushrooms, and onions pairs perfectly with black fruit, savory herbs, and red fruits in the wine. The smooth texture and well-integrated tannins elevate the hearty profile.

• Coq au Vin: Tender chicken with red wine and aromatic vegetables harmonizes with dark bramble fruits, crème de cassis, and licorice in the wine. The richness is complemented by the smooth texture and well-integrated tannins.

Pasta and Risotto

• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy and earthy, this dish pairs well with black fruit, spice, and savory herbs in the wine. The medium-bodied structure and silky tannins balance the richness.

• Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu: Robust meat sauce with wide pasta ribbons complements blackberries, plums, and subtle spices in the wine. The elegant mouthfeel enhances the complexity.

Cheeses

• Aged Cheddar: Sharp and nutty, this cheese pairs with black fruit, spice, and leather in the wine. The smooth texture and well-integrated tannins complement the richness.

• Parmigiano-Reggiano: Savory and umami-rich, this cheese enhances cassis, blackberry, and subtle spice in the wine. The medium-bodied structure and silky tannins balance the complexity.

• Manchego: Nutty and slightly tangy, it pairs with ripe cherries, spice, and leather in the wine. The smooth texture and well-integrated tannins complement the richness.

• Comté: Creamy and nutty, this cheese enhances black fruit, savory herbs, and red fruits in the wine. The medium-bodied structure and silky tannins balance the complexity.

  Baron Hector de Brane: The ‘Napoleon of the Vines’

Baron Hector de Brane, affectionately known as the ‘Napoleon of the Vines,’ played a pivotal role in the history of Chateau Brane Cantenac. His innovative practices and meticulous attention to detail elevated the estate to a position of prestige within the Bordeaux wine community. Under his guidance, the estate embraced advanced viticultural techniques that were ahead of their time, transforming the quality and reputation of its wines. Today, the legacy of Baron Hector de Brane continues to influence the estate’s winemaking philosophy. The deep gravel soils of the ‘Plateau de Brane’—which can reach depths of up to 12 meters—play a crucial role in cultivating vines that produce grapes of remarkable quality and complexity. This unique terroir, combined with Baron Hector’s innovative spirit, ensures that Chateau Brane Cantenac remains a beacon of excellence. The meticulous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a touch of Carmenère reflects the harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, making Baron de Brane a distinguished wine that truly encapsulates the elegance of Margaux.

Taste Profile

Technical Sheet

Storage Instructions

Maintain a consistent temperature of 12-15°C (54-59°F) and a humidity level of 60-70%. Store in a dark place, horizontally, avoiding vibrations. Can be aged until 2034.