CHATEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU

Ducru Beaucaillou is one of the oldest estates in the Medoc. History dates what we know of as Ducru Beaucaillou all the back to the start of the 13th century. The estate found part of their name from their unique terroir. Ducru Beaucaillou has special soils that are literally covered with large stones. In fact, the word Beaucaillou is translated into beautiful stones.
Today is one of the leading Super Seconds. It is owned by the Borie family and is situated in the south-east of the St-Julien appellation. 

Vineyards, Terroir, and Winemaking

Ducru-Beaucaillou's 50 hectares of vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 25%, Cabernet Franc 5% and Petit Verdot 5%) lie on deep, large-stone gravel beds enriched with alluvial soil deposits and with a high clay content. The average age of the vines is 35 years. To produce the wine of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, the grapes are allowed to macerate for close to 7 days. Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats of various sizes allowing for a plot by plot vinification. The entire process takes about two weeks, with the frequency of pumping over and exact temperature tailored to each individual vat.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in concrete vats. The wines are matured in oak barriques (50-60% new) for 18 months.

For many, Ducru-Beaucaillou is the quintessential St-Julien - deep-coloured, powerful, ripe, exquisitely well-balanced and perfectly harmonious. It requires a minimum of 10 years of bottle ageing before it should be approached and the best vintages will continue improving for many more years. Ducru-Beaucaillou is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé.