Château Branas Grand Poujeaux 2013

Characteristics and tasting notes for Château Branas Grand Poujeaux 2013

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a medium-depth ruby-red hue, reflecting its richness.

Nose

The nose opens on a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits, notably blackcurrant and fresh berries. Subtle notes of toast and spice from barrel aging blend harmoniously with the fruit aromas. Floral hints of violet and a delicate peppery nuance complete this aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its medium body and remarkable balance. The tannic structure is ripe, velvety and flavorful, delivering a round, supple texture. Flavors of red and black fruits linger, accompanied by perfectly integrated vanilla and spicy notes. Freshness and mineral vibrancy carry through to a long, persistent finish with fruity accents.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs ideally with grilled or roasted red meats, herb-crusted lamb, game, as well as mushroom-based dishes. It also elegantly complements a poultry liver terrine or certain moderately spiced Asian preparations. For cheese, opt for aged hard cheeses or full-flavored cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Château Branas Grand Poujeaux 2013 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 15 and 16 °C. Decanting for one to two hours before serving will allow the wine to open up fully. This vintage can be enjoyed through around 2028.

An elegant and harmonious Moulis-en-Médoc

The estate

Founded in 2002 with the acquisition by Justin Onclin, Château Branas Grand Poujeaux has established itself as a rising benchmark in Bordeaux, in Moulis-en-Médoc. Expanded from 5 ha to more than 17 hectares, the vineyard lies on the Grand Poujeaux plateau, on Garonne gravels, between the châteaux Chasse-Spleen and Poujeaux. Justin Onclin remains the principal owner, joined since 2020 by two Dutch investors. A parcel-by-parcel approach, modern winemaking and 16–18 months of aging underpin a remarkable consistency.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Branas Grand Poujeaux enjoys a privileged location at the heart of the Moulis appellation, on the Grand Poujeaux plateau. The vines grow on Garonne gravels, the gravelly soils typical of Bordeaux’s Left Bank, enriched with marl. This mosaic of terroirs enables a precise parcel-by-parcel approach. The average vine age is around 25 years.

The vintage

The 2013 vintage in Bordeaux proved demanding for winegrowers. The year was marked by variable weather conditions, with excessive humidity during certain periods and cooler-than-average temperatures throughout the growing season. These conditions extended ripening cycles and required rigorous selection at harvest.

Winemaking and aging

At Château Branas Grand Poujeaux, the grapes are harvested by hand with meticulous selection. A vibrating sorting table further refines the selection after picking. Parcel-by-parcel vinification is carried out through whole-berry fermentation, in six 60-liter oak vats, one 30-liter vat and three temperature-controlled 30-liter stainless-steel vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. Aging lasts between 16 and 18 months, with 30% new French oak barrels.

Grape varieties

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot.