An exceptional grand cru orchestrated by the Borie family
Presided over since 2003 by Bruno‑Eugène Borie, a descendant of the Borie family, Château Ducru‑Beaucaillou is today one of the jewels of Saint‑Julien. Under his leadership, the technical team, strengthened by high-level oenologists, has managed to combine tradition and innovation to achieve remarkable finesse.
Terroir & grape varieties: deep pebbles and controlled density
The vineyard extends over approximately 75 ha of Günz gravel, marl, and sand, planted at high density (10,000 vines/ha). The grape composition is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (~70%), complemented by Merlot (~30%), on vines averaging 35 years old, with some plots being centuries old.
Viticulture & philosophy: purity and rigor
Sustainable viticulture, manual sorting in the vineyard, advanced micro-parceling, ongoing biological research. Bruno Borie has reduced yields to concentrate the fruit, favoring the mineral expression of the terroir and aromatic precision.
Vinification & aging: granitic precision
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks of various sizes, by parcel, maceration from 7 to 15 days depending on the vintage, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. Aging for 18 to 20 months in French barrels (50–80% new), balanced to provide silky tannins and a long elegant finish.
Iconic cuvées
– Château Ducru‑Beaucaillou (Grand Vin): powerful and airy, aromas of blackcurrant, violet, tobacco, warm stone, saline structure. Great aging potential.
– La Croix de Ducru‑Beaucaillou: second wine, from peripheral terroirs, fruity, floral, accessible from its youth.
– Le Petit Ducru de Ducru‑Beaucaillou: third wine, concentrated and warm, a stripped-down expression of the estate's expertise.
Production 210,000 bottles;
Area 75 ha;
Second wine La Croix de Beaucaillou (85,000 bottles);
Maturity 10 to 30 years depending on the vintage;
Grape composition 70% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 30% Merlot;
Best vintages 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 1996, 1982, 1961, 1947.
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