Après une impressionnante arrivée en hélicoptère dans le parc de Brane, Mr Norman Hébert et ses invités, accompagnés de Mr Denis Marsan, ont été accueillis par Henri Lurton et son épouse, Isabelle.

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After an impressive helicopter landing at Brane, Mr. Norman Hébert and his guests, accompanied by Mr. Denis Marsan, were greeted by Henri Lurton and his wife Isabelle.

 

After a tour of the vineyards and our cellars, they tasted our three latest vintages and got a sneak peek (or rather, taste) of one of our 2009 vats!

This visit was followed by an excellent, enjoyable lunch made by Bernard Monblanc, served with a few exceptional vintages to everyone’s great delight: Château Brane-Cantenac 2000, 1995 and the mythical 1961!!

Here are a few pictures of the day.

Le château Brane-Cantenac a accueilli,  les 22 et 23 octobre,  une réunion technique de Météo France, ayant pour but d'améliorer l'offre destinée aux professionnels du secteur de l'agriculture et de la viticulture en particulier.

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On October 22 and 23, Château Brane-Cantenac hosted a technical meeting for Météo France, the goal of which was to improve the offering aimed at professionals in the fields of agriculture and viticulture in particular.

 

This event, which was organized by Sud-Ouest’s inter-regional department, was led by its director, Mr. Marc Payen.

Mr. Jean Congnard, manager of the Gironde departmental center and representative of Sud-Ouest’s viticulture department, and Mr. Claude Pomares, his assistant, had prepared this event.

 

The participants were agricultural-meteorological departmental managers, representatives of Météo France’s central management in Toulouse, and commercial attachés from various regions of France. France's main wine-producing regions were represented: Burgundy, Alsace, Loire Valley, Charentes, etc.

The afternoon of October 22 was devoted to technical presentations:

- John Salvi, a wine columnist, explained how he uses meteorological data to draw up technical wine reports for English wine merchants.

- Mrs. Muriel Barthe, the technical director of CIVB, presented the organization of the Bordeaux wine industry.

- Mr. Mathias Robin, manager of Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s viticultural laboratory and experimentations, presented the operations of the weather-wine department specially developed by Météo France for this company.

- Mr. Marc Raynal, from IFV, presented a new hail in viticulture spatial indicator and new tools for space-rating the risk of vine disease.

- Mr. Emmanuel Clopper, Mr. Didier Grimal and Mr. Sébastien Prats from Météo France presented new services and tools that could benefit viticulture.

- Mr. Christophe Capdeville, Château Brane-Cantenac’s operations director, concluded the day by presenting the Extranet site that Météo France developed for the property. He explained how weather forecasts are used for the planning and organization of viticultural work and for managing plant protection with the goal of reducing inputs. He then led a tasting of the 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintages so as to showcase the importance of the year’s climate on the wine’s constitution.

These technical days were tremendously successful and showed how much weather forecasting and sustainable wine production are closely related.

Les gagnants du Trophée Brane-Cantenac de cette année sont : Grégory Boisson et Frédéric Sauvage, du Golf de Margaux, en Brut et Net cumulés.

Martine et Philippe Baudry, du Golf Bordelais et membres de l'équipe de Brane,  sont arrivés seconds en Brut cumulé, Xavier et Laeticia Letamendia du Golf d'Arcangues sont eux arrivés seconds en Net cumulé.

En troisième position, Mahé Muter et Jacques Augendre du Golf de Margaux et Guy Coupéry et Béatrice Hourcade, du Bordelais et membres de l'équipe de Brane.

 

 

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This year’s winners of the Brane-Cantenac Trophy are: Grégory Boisson and Frédéric Sauvage, from Golf de Margaux, in cumulative Gross and Net results.

Martine and Philippe Baudry, from Golf Bordelais and members of the Brane team, came in second in cumulative Gross, and Xavier and Laeticia Letamendia, from Golf d'Arcangues, came in second in cumulative Net.

In third place: Mahé Muter and Jacques Augendre from Golf de Margaux and Guy Coupéry and Béatrice Hourcade, from Bordeaux and members of the Brane team.

After a magnificent day graced with a summer sun, all of the teams met up at Brane for a superb cocktail organized by Philippe Villet from Le Savoie in Margaux. Although he had participated in the competition all day long, Philippe really spoiled us by preparing a royal buffet: oysters, fantasy breads, small, delicate hors d’oeuvres, pastries – the entire buffet was refined and delicious!

Henry Lurton gave all the winners their prizes. Everyone left lavished with gifts, delighted with their day in Margaux. It’s true that the ideal weather for this end-of-season competition really contributed to the friendly, relaxed ambiance on the golf course. We would like to thank the Relais de Margaux golf course’s team for having welcomed all the participants so graciously and for having organized this trophy so professionally. We look forward to seeing you next year - maybe for a three-person scramble this time??? And remember – You need to sign up relatively early to be sure to participate… More than 80 people were registered this year!

Pictures of the last holes and the prize ceremony with our two super-winners and Nicolas, from Golf de Margaux and the tournament’s organizer.

Dimanche dernier, comme tous les ans, a eu lieu le TROPHEE BRANE CANTENAC au Golf du Relais de Margaux.

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Like every year, the BRANE-CANTENAC TROPHY took place Sunday at the Relais de Margaux golf course.

While we’re waiting for the results and comments from Henri Lurton and Corinne Conroy, here are a few pictures:

A few members of Brane’s team before the start.

Laurent Ehrmann, Dominique Bessineau, partners, Henri Lurton and his partner Jean Marc Valette, Isabelle Lurton with

Anne Marie Valette, and Thomas Conroy, partner of Claudine Bessineau, an excellent teacher!

Checking the equipment…

 

The beginners need to practice first!!!

 

 Jean Marc Valette providing Henri Lurton with a few explanations

 

Go, Henri!!!!!!!!!

 

The new golfing stars! Anne Marie Valette and Isabelle Lurton...

 

Claudine Bessineau in action! A first-rate champion…

 

Thomas Conroy replacing his mom…

 

Looking for a lost golf ball!

 

Just taking a stroll through the woods…

Vendredi 16 Octobre, nous avons fêté la fin des vendanges avec la traditionnelle Gerbaude !

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On Friday October 16^th, we gathered together for 'Gerbaude,' the traditional end-of-harvest meal!

It was a real treat for the entire Brane team: there was a succulent aperitif-cocktail followed by duck breasts grilled over vine shoots and of course, the entire meal was served with our Château Brane-Cantenac 2004 and Baron de Brane 2003 wines.

 

Here are a few photos of this festive lunch:

Comme tous les ans, nous avons célébré la fin des vendanges dans la joie et la bonne humeur...Tout particulièrement cette année où, comme nous l'avons dit, la récolte a été facile et s'est déroulée sous le soleil entièrement. Nos partenaires et amis, négociants et courtiers présents, ont eu la surprise d'entendre le quatuor vocal 'A Brûle Point', si bien nommé, qui a donné un petit répertoire de chansons françaises de la renaissance. Ils ont pu suivre les paroles sur un livret conçu à cet effet et s'amuser des textes anciens, parfois grivois ou se rapportant aux plaisirs qu'apporte le bon vin. Le groupe musical constitué d'une soprane et de trois voix masculines était dirigé par Madame de Lestrange, épouse de notre directeur financier. Quant au dîner, il a été accompagné de plusieurs millésimes de Brane dont un très très beau 89 servi en magnums . Pour varier les plaisirs, un Boal 10 ans d'âge, de Henriques et Henriques, a accompagné un délicieux dessert à base de chocolat... Nos convives sont repartis avec une bouteille de 2005 et de 2007 dans un coffret pour leur permettre de comparer le nouvel habillage avec l'ancien, et un livre d'art Délicéo. Malgré la froideur exceptionnelle de la nuit, l'ambiance a été fort chaleureuse au son des voix a capella!

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Like we do every year, we celebrated the end of the harvest with a dinner full of good cheer…Spirits were particularly high this year, as the process had been easy and the sun had been out virtually non-stop. Our partners and friends, and the wine merchants and brokers who attended, had the surprise of hearing the aptly named ‘A Brûle-Pourpoint' (point blank) vocal quartet, who sang a short list of French renaissance songs. The guests were able to follow along by reading the lyrics that were presented in a special booklet and took pleasure in discovering ancient texts, some of which were bawdy or spoke of the pleasures that can be drawn from good wine. The musical group, made of a soprano and three male voices, was directed by Mrs. De Lestrange, the wife of our finance director. As for the dinner, it was served with several Brane vintages including an exquisite 89 served in magnum bottles. For a change, a 10-year-old Boal, from Henriques & Henriques, accompanied a delicious chocolate dessert. Our guests left with a bottle of 2005 and 2007 in a box, so they could compare the new and the old looks, and a Délicéo art book. In spite of the fact that it was an exceptionally cold night, the atmosphere was quite warm and was improved by the sound of a capella voices!

A few photos and memories of a lovely evening!

The vocal quartet A Brûle Pourpoint

The quartet had recruited a few extra voices…

Isabelle Lurton accompanying Sylvie de Lestrange

Henri Lurton trying to follow the lyrics

A smile from lovely Maria, who still hasn’t understood old French…

Véronique Garcia, who knew all the words after having typed the booklet over and over again!

Charles de Ravinel sceptical as he reads certain texts…

Hugues de Lestrange not convinced that he wants to accompany Isabelle to perform…

 

 

2009 RESTERA DANS TOUTES LES MEMOIRES COMME D'EXTRAORDINAIRES VENDANGES!

 

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THE 2009 HARVEST WILL BE REMEMBERED AS EXTRAORDINARY!

We truly couldn’t have asked for better conditions. From all angles, the weather in September and October was exceptional and ideal for the harvest. Our grapes were able to ripen perfectly: cool nights that promoted the synthesis of phenolic compounds alternated with midsummer daytime temperatures (they lingered around 30°C (86°F) for almost three weeks). What’s more, Margaux experienced virtually no rainfall after the month of August.

 

Harvesting started on September 22 with our Merlot plants, and then continued in areas containing early ripening grapes. The last Merlots were harvested on October 2. This variety has produced wines having alcohol contents ranging from 13.5 to 14.5%. Nevertheless, they remain fresh thanks to their excellent acidity. In the cellar, the musts were so fragrant that the vat-room smelled of blackcurrant, raspberry, gooseberry and red fruits. The juices reddened quickly. Intense extraction during vinification, primarily using the technique of délestage (rack and return), strengthened the structure of the wines. The skins, which were perfectly mature, released their top-quality content. The first vats testify to the vintage’s superiority: strong color intensity, roundness and density in the evolution phase, and long finish. Macerations will further amplify this concentration.

 

Our Cabernets were harvested from September 30 to October 9. Their flawless maturity produces sweet-smelling juices and hints at full-bodied, powerful wines. During this stage of the wine-making process, their color is intense and deep. Their tannins are elegant and firm. Extraction is performed under excellent conditions.

 

We finished by harvesting Carmenère grapes on the 40-are plot that was reintroduced into our vineyard in 2007. This old variety, which has its origins in the Médoc region and had virtually disappeared from Margaux’s soils, is now grown at Brane-Cantenac once again. It has been successfully exported to Chile, where it produces real gems. The yield was very small (3.4 hl/ha). This precious crop is being vinified separately in a new barrel. The must is extremely aromatic and already has a strong color intensity. Stay tuned...

Another sign of this vintage's exceptional character: the harvest’s health status remained excellent until the very end. Botrytis did not cause any damage this year.

 

The quality of the 2009 vintage will be exceptional. Everyone who has contributed to its development is firmly convinced!

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A few weeks ago, Florent Cillero joined our cellar team as its manager. He has experience working on prestigious estates such as Dominius (property of Christian Moueix in Napa Valley, California) and Château Haut-Brion, where he learned to work with rigor, care and deliberation. Florent, who has a National oenology diploma and a Master’s degree in Oenology and the Wine Environment, is a young wine enthusiast who is looking to put everything he has into his new job. His strong determination and his adaptation capacities will allow him to learn the basics of his new cellar responsibilities and quickly become part of the team. Welcome onboard, Florent!

Hier soir, en l'honneur de nos visiteurs de Target Magazine Chine, nous avons invité les frères Shan, les propriétaires de 'Au Bonheur du Palais', le fameux restaurant chinois bordelais. Un régal pour les papilles et une découverte de la cuisine des provinces chinoises étonnante...Une soirée formidable dans la bonne humeur avec des convives plein d'esprit et heureux de découvrir nos vins.
Le menu rédigé en français suivra très bientôt!

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Last night, in honor of our visitors from Target Magazine in China, we invited the Shan brothers, the owners of Bordeaux’s famous Chinese restaurant Au Bonheur du Palais. It was a real treat for our taste buds and an opportunity to discover amazing cuisine from China’s provinces. The evening was wonderful, and our guests were enthusiastic and delighted to try our wines.
Stay tuned to see the menu written in French!

Maria Martinez Ojeda and Noel Chi

Hélène Yuan, the sommelier at Au Bonheur du Palais, and Henry Zhang from Target

Henri Lurton and Tian Li

Helen Zhang, Hélène Yuan, Henri Lurton

The entire team: Hélène Yuan, Tomy Shan, Noël Chi, Maria Martinez, Tian Li, Yoshi Omori, Andy Shan, Henri Lurton and Helen Zhang and Henry Zhang

CES VENDANGEURS ONT DU COEUR, SUD OUEST RIVE DROITE MERCREDI 7 OCTOBRE

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THESE HARVESTERS HAVE COURAGE, SUD-OUEST RIGHT BANK WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7

On Monday, around one hundred male and female Lormont residents of all ages, having their share of economic hardships, started their third week of harvesting in the vineyards of the prestigious Château Brane-Cantenac, classified as a second growth in Margaux. The ritual is the same every morning: the harvesters meet up in either the Carriet or Génicart neighbourhood and both buses leave for the Médoc at 7 am. “We come back at around 6:15 in the evening” explains Annie, the driver for the 8th year in a row.

This type of expedition has been taking place for the past eleven years, thanks to the “close and fruitful partnership” between the château's managers and Lormont’s elected officials. And it's not an understatement to say that the harvesters thoroughly enjoy themselves. Malika Bernard and Liliane Carneiro, an inseparable duo, talk about their experience. “This is the third year for both of us. We participate for the full three weeks and work on creating a great atmosphere.” They joke around and poke fun at each other whenever the grape-picking allows. “Your back hurts during the first two days and then you’re fine” explains Malika. These two women are both 23 years old. Malika has one child and Liliane has two, and they talk about how they “stopped studying after middle school” and “did odd jobs and attended occasional training.” “But it's never lasted as long as the harvest period” Malika jokes. When asked how she’s planning to use the 900 euros she'll receive, she immediately replies: “it’s for our children, for Christmas presents.”

Right then, we hear someone call out “Papi" (granddad) from one end of the row. “See, he’s the only one wearing a straw hat” Jean points out. And thus we meet Mohamed Hamou who – prepare yourself - is 76 years old. It’s not too hard? “I can cut night and day. I harvested for the first time when I was 15, in Algeria, in the département of Oran, and then I had a lot of farming jobs, kind of like a factory worker, so I have a really little retirement.” To feed a family with five kids. But this Lormont resident isn’t complaining: “With a landscape like this, I get to live all over again, and I often think about it once the harvest is over.” Mohamed Hamou also describes how he enjoys “meeting people who I met in the vineyards afterwards in Bordeaux.” “As long as my health permits, I’ll come back” he smiles, looking years younger than he is. This is his “7th year participating in the harvest at Brane-Cantenac.”

Le 22 septembre dernier, Le Wine Business Club d'Alain Marty organisait un dîner/dégustation prestigieux chez Lasserre, le célèbre restaurant parisien. Au menu, un magnifique Brane Cantenac 1995....marié avec le col vert!

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Depuis les début des vendanges, Florent Cillero a pris le poste de chef d'équipe au chai. Son profil sera mis bientôt en ligne mais nous avons recueilli pour vous, sur le vif ce matin, ses premières impressions de la vendange 2009!

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At the start of the harvest season, Florent Cillero took up the position of manager of our cellar team. His profile will be put online shortly, but this morning, we interviewed him on the spot to discover his first impressions of the 2009 harvest!

“Very, very good…a good raw material. The quality of everything is excellent! We can look forward to a great vintage!

The work is extremely interesting. Some Merlots are nearing the end of fermentation and tomorrow, we’ll set the devatting date with Mr. Boissenot. We started bringing in the Cabernets at the end of last week.

The alcohol contents of the Merlots range between 13.4 and 14.5° in the vats. The Cabernets will be between 12.5 and 13°.

For the Cabernets that are already undergoing fermentation in vats, we pump them over with aeration at the start of fermentation since aeration is important so that the yeast may produce its survival factors.

We have a lot of fruit and the cellar is full of incredible aromas. The tannins are already silky and perceptible and most importantly they aren’t at all green or vegetal.

We've brought in all our plots of Cabernet Franc, and they are producing excellent results. As for Carménère, which was planted on half a hectare, we still have to wait. It will ferment in a vat this year – it’s a test. This is the first year we’re harvesting this variety.”

For a first harvest, it’s magical!” What luck!

 

C'est avec plaisir que nous avons accueilli pour quelques jours, dans notre 'guest house', Monsieur et Madame Zhang, propriétaires du magazine de luxe Target Chine, accompagnés de Madame Tian Li, l'éditeur LifeStyle, de Monsieur Noël Chi, expert en vin du magazine et de Monsieur Yoshi Omori, photographe. Un article sur 'Les hommes de la vigne et du vin' sortira pour les fêtes du nouvel an chinois.

 

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We were delighted to host Mr. and Mrs. Zhang, owners of the Chinese magazine Target, in our guest house for a few days. They were accompanied by Mrs. Tian Li, Lifestyle editor, Mr. Noël Chi, the magazine’s wine expert, and Mr. Yoshi Omori, their photographer. An article on the people involved in the wine-making process will be released for the Chinese New Year.

 

Mr. Noël Chi, a specialist and the author of the book ‘L’esprit de ma cave,’ Mrs. Tian Li, editor of the Lifestyle section, Henri Lurton, Mrs. Zhang, model and wife of Mr. Henry Zhang, owner of Target, Mr. Yoshi Omori, photographer.

 

 

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Here’s to hoping it lasts!!!!