Ferraton Pere & Fils
Summary
Ferraton Pere & Fils is a family-owned Rhône Valley producer operating both estate vineyards and négociant activities across Northern and Southern appellations, crafting Syrah-based reds and Marsanne-Roussanne whites from granite-rich soils and diverse terroir. Their winemaking philosophy balances traditional methods with careful innovation, anchored by a comprehensive commitment to biodynamic viticulture since 1998 and meticulous parcel-by-parcel vinification that preserves authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Ferraton Pere & Fils was established in 1946 by Jean Orens Ferraton, a winegrower in Tain l'Hermitage in the Northern Rhône Valley. The domaine remained a small family operation until 1998, when a pivotal partnership was formed with Michel Chapoutier, another prominent Northern Rhône producer. This collaboration allowed Ferraton to expand its operations while maintaining its distinctive identity. The third generation of the family, represented by Samuel Ferraton, now oversees daily operations, continuing the family legacy while implementing modern approaches to viticulture and winemaking.
Initially focused solely on estate production, Ferraton expanded its business model in the late 1990s to include négociant activities, allowing them to source additional fruit from trusted growers throughout the Rhône Valley. This strategic shift enabled the company to produce wines from a broader range of appellations while maintaining quality control. In 1998, concurrent with the Chapoutier partnership, Ferraton began converting its vineyards to biodynamic farming, receiving official Biodyvin certification in 2000.
Vineyards & Wines
Ferraton Pere & Fils produces wines from both the Northern and Southern Rhône Valley. Their Northern Rhône portfolio includes wines from Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Cornas. In the Southern Rhône, they produce Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône wines. The Northern vineyards focus primarily on Syrah for red wines and Marsanne and Roussanne for whites, while the Southern properties work with traditional blends featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
The domaine's vineyards in the Northern Rhône benefit from the region's granite-based soils, steep terraced slopes, and southeastern exposures that maximize sun exposure in this relatively cool climate. Their flagship vineyards in Hermitage sit on the hill of Hermitage, where soils transition from granite at higher elevations to more alluvial compositions near the valley floor. The company's "Lieu-Dit" series highlights specific vineyard sites, such as "Le Méal" and "Les Miaux" in Hermitage, showcasing the distinct terroir expressions within each appellation.
Philosophy & Practice
Ferraton Pere & Fils adheres to biodynamic farming principles across their estate vineyards, having received Biodyvin certification in 2000. This approach includes using natural preparations to enhance soil vitality, following lunar cycles for vineyard work, and maintaining biodiversity through cover crops and integrated pest management. The commitment to biodynamics reflects their broader philosophy of allowing each vineyard site to express its unique characteristics with minimal intervention.
In the cellar, Ferraton employs parcel-by-parcel vinification to preserve the identity of each vineyard site. Fermentation occurs in a combination of temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, concrete vats, and oak vessels depending on the wine. For aging, the winery uses a mix of concrete tanks and French oak barrels, with new oak percentages and aging durations tailored to each appellation and wine. Their top cuvées typically spend 12-18 months in oak, with careful attention to oxygen exposure throughout the maturation process. This methodical approach to winemaking, combined with their biodynamic viticulture, allows Ferraton to produce wines that reflect both their terroir and the vintage conditions.