Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a Bordeaux estate known for its deep gravel vineyards in the Médoc, which shape the profile of its wines.

The property produces a tiered collection: La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou as the second wine and Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou as the third. This structure reflects careful selection in the vineyard and cellar, with only the best lots reserved for the estate’s premier bottling. Emphasis on gravel parcels contributes to clarity and structure in the reds, and the range offers different views of site and vintage across its cuvées.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is esteemed for its high-quality wines and glowing reviews.

• Super Second Status — Although classified as a Second Growth, it rivals First Growths, earning it the nickname 'super second.'
• Impressive Ratings — Recent vintages receive outstanding scores, such as a 96/100 from The Wine Advocate and a 98/100 from James Suckling.
• Dedicated Improvements — Bruno-Eugène Borie's enhancements in the vineyard and cellar boost the wine's precision and depth.
• Selective Production — Lower yields and careful selection lead to exceptional quality in their grand vin.
• Rich History and Unique Terroir — Its longstanding heritage and distinct terroir create a genuine sense of place for wine enthusiasts.

• Where is Château Ducru-Beaucaillou located?

  In the Saint-Julien AOC of the Médoc, Bordeaux, France.

• When was the estate established and who owns it today?

  Founded in 1720; Bertrand Ducru acquired it in 1795. The Borie family has owned it since 1941, and Bruno-Eugène Borie currently leads the estate.

• What does 'Deuxième Grand Cru Classé' mean?

  It refers to the Second Growth status awarded in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, placing the château just below the First Growths in the hierarchy.

• What is the significance of 'super second' status?

  A nickname for Second Growth châteaux like Château Ducru-Beaucaillou whose wines frequently rival First Growth quality.

• What grape varieties are primarily used, and how old are the vines?

  Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from vines averaging about 35 years old, with small amounts of other traditional Bordeaux varieties included as needed.

• What makes the estate's terroir unique?

  Deep, gravelly soils in Saint-Julien contribute to structure, clarity, and elegance in the wines.

• What wines does the estate produce?

  The grand vin Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, the second wine La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, and the third wine Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou.

• How has Château Ducru-Beaucaillou improved its vineyard practices?

  Under Bruno-Eugène Borie, the estate increasingly emphasizes sustainable, environmentally conscious viticulture.