Château Ducru Beaucaillou

Domaine Ducru Beaucaillou : presentation and quality of the wines


Château Ducru Beaucaillou is a 75-hectare wine estate belonging to the Borie family. The estate owes its name to its terroir of large stones. It is one of the oldest estates in the Gironde, with traces of its history dating back to the end of the 18th century. Its wines were classified as 2nd Grands Crus in the Médoc classification in 1855. Overview of the history of the estate and presentation of its wines

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The Age of Enlightenment, the beginning of the history of the Ducru Beaucaillou estate


The history of the estate began on 30 May 1720 when Marie Dejean, heiress to the vineyard, married the squire Jacques de Bergeron. The château remained the property of the Bergeron family until 1795, when it passed into the hands of Bertrand Ducru, a Bordeaux MP and wine merchant. He undertook a colossal project, modifying the château's cellars and developing the land. His efforts were rewarded with an illustrious second place in the 1855 Grands Crus classification. His successors, satisfied with his achievements, decided to add his name Ducru to that of Beaucaillou. After his death, one of his children, Marie-Louise Ravez, sold the estate to Lucie Caroline Dessier in 1866. She was married to Nathaniel Johnston, a wine merchant and member of parliament for Beychevelle in Saint-Julien. Nathaniel Johnston also improved the quality of the grape varieties, discovering an effective solution to mildew. But the catastrophic effects of the Great Depression forced them to sell the estate to the Desbarats family in 1929. This family were also wine merchants. The estate remained in their possession for 12 years before coming under the control of the Borie family, who still own it today

Quality of Domaine Ducru Beaucaillou wines


The estate's vineyards begin 800 m from the mouth of the Gironde and extend westwards. The soil is characterised by large stones. These stones store the sun's heat and release it to the vines at night. This also protects the roots of the plants from drying out in hot weather. The Château Ducru Beaucaillou vineyard is planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The percentage of each grape variety varies according to the vintage. The average age of the vines is 35 years, but there are also old vines close to the château dating back to 1918. The estate uses sustainable viticulture. Since 2018, the current owner has been moving towards 100% organic farming. To produce the wine, the estate macerates the crushed grapes for 7 days. Vinification then takes place in stainless steel vats of various sizes for around a fortnight, with pumping over. After this stage, the grape juice is fermented in concrete vats before being matured in 75-90% new oak vats for 18-20 months.
The estate produces several vintages that age very well. Some of these vintages are legendary among the best Grands Crus. The young wines, meanwhile, offer an intense concentration of flavours while expressing the power of the tannins. Decanting for 3 to 4 hours is recommended for young vintages to allow the wine to soften
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1945: although the Saint-Julien appellation is not classified as a 1er Grand Cru, it has all the character of one, especially as it has immense ageing potential. Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot Noir, this wine at its peak reveals a beautiful bouquet of aromas accentuated by magnificent notes of spice, cedar wood and black pepper. The fabulous nose reveals itself on the palate with juicy flavours and no sign of age. After a few minutes in the glass, it expresses all its finesse and elegance with light tannins. Best enjoyed on its own, without food. A rare pleasure for wine lovers.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1959: this red wine from Saint-Julien, harvested in 1959, is also a wine of incredible elegance. The years have not dimmed its seductive nose, its very generous palate and its inimitable flavours. A little tannin, but surprisingly long on the palate. This treasure on special offer is a bargain for connoisseurs and discerning buyers alike. It's also a great way to toast the New Year or celebrate a special bond that will lead to a happy ending between two people. This wine is available in a single bottle. Due to its rarity, the bottle is damaged halfway down the shoulder, but its racy character, aromas and flavours have been wonderfully preserved over time. A great wine that does justice to its 2nd growth appellation.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1972: This rare vintage from the Saint-Julien appellation is a beautifully coloured red wine with seductive aromas of violets and cherries, with a hint of cedar, leather and ripe blackcurrants. It goes well with beef, game and lamb, thanks to its silky tannins and good length.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1973: the large pebbles that litter the estate's soil have made it possible to produce this extraordinary wine, which is at once discreet, elegant and sappy, and which is also being promoted on this site. Its brilliant ruby colour reveals a lovely, supple, fruity bouquet, enhanced by notes of violet and cedar wood. The juicy palate reveals infinitely fine tannins and great freshness. A perfect wine for aperitifs and main courses (meat, game, grilled fish). A bouquet that can also age beautifully.
Finally, the balance between tannins, structure and acidity varies according to vintage, grape variety and wine-growing region. Don't hesitate to choose between several bottles before making your choice.
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