Château la Brande (by Ch. Mangot) - 2022

Château Brande – The Organic Expression of Castillon Crafted by the Todeschini Brothers

Château Brande is one of the most promising estates in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Nestled on magnificent south-facing slopes, the vineyard benefits from the expertise of the Todeschini brothers, owners of the renowned Château Mangot, which was recently promoted to the prestigious rank of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in the latest official classification. This major achievement confirms the exceptional quality of the family's work and further enhances the reputation of their other estates, including the remarkable Château Brande.

For Bordeaux wine lovers seeking outstanding value for money, Château Brande has become a benchmark. The estate combines the generous character of Castillon with the precision, innovation, and commitment to excellence that have made Château Mangot one of the rising stars of Saint-Émilion.

An Exceptional Organic Vineyard on the Edge of Saint-Émilion

The vineyards of Château Brande cover 26 hectares in a single block, planted on hillside slopes ranging from 15 to 78 meters in altitude. The vines, with an average age of 40 years, thrive on red clay soils mixed with flint, a terroir particularly suited to producing deep, elegant, and complex wines.

The estate is certified organic and continues to strengthen its environmental commitment through a biodynamic conversion program. Natural cover crops and the sowing of cereals and legumes between the rows help preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy, living soils. This sustainable approach allows the vineyard to produce high-quality grapes while fully expressing the unique character of the Castillon terroir.

Château Brande: A Precise and Ambitious Blend

The wine is crafted from a classic Bordeaux blend:

• 60% Merlot
• 30% Cabernet Franc
• 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2% Petit Verdot

This carefully balanced blend gives Château Brande remarkable aromatic complexity. Merlot provides richness and generosity, while Cabernet Franc contributes freshness, elegance, and length. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot add structure, depth, and aging potential.

Winemaking Inspired by the Great Wines of Saint-Émilion

The production philosophy behind Château Brande reflects the high standards of the Todeschini brothers. Grapes are harvested parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness to preserve the identity of each vineyard plot.

After meticulous sorting on vibrating and aerodynamic sorting tables, the grapes are destemmed and undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration. Fermentation then takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for approximately 35 days, with gentle extraction techniques designed to preserve fruit purity and silky tannins.

The wine is aged for 10 to 13 months using a combination of vessels to achieve complexity and balance:

• 50% in stainless steel tanks without added sulphites
• 16.6% in new French oak barrels
• 16.6% in 400-litre barrels used for one vintage
• 16.6% in 400-litre barrels used for two vintages.

This measured use of oak allows the fruit to remain at the forefront while adding depth, texture, and refinement.

Tasting Notes for Château Brande

Château Brande impresses with its deep colour and expressive bouquet of ripe black fruits, black cherry, blackberry, liquorice, sweet spices, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, the wine is generous, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced. The tannins are silky, the texture is rich without heaviness, and the finish reveals a refreshing mineral character that reflects the finest terroirs of Castillon.

While approachable in its youth thanks to its vibrant fruit profile, Château Brande also possesses excellent aging potential and can evolve gracefully for ten years or more, depending on the vintage.

Why Choose Château Brande?

Choosing Château Brande means discovering an ambitious organic Bordeaux wine crafted by the Todeschini brothers, one of the most exciting winemaking families on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. The recent promotion of Château Mangot to Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé confirms the exceptional quality of their work and highlights the growing reputation of all their estates.

With its outstanding terroir, certified organic farming, meticulous winemaking, and exceptional value for money, Château Brande stands today as one of the leading wines of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux and a must-try for lovers of elegant, terroir-driven Bordeaux wines.