J. A. Ferret, Domaine
Summary
Domaine J.A. Ferret, a historic Pouilly-Fuissé producer operating since 1840 and now owned by Louis Jadot, crafts terroir-driven Chardonnay from their limestone-rich vineyards in the Mâconnais, including the recently elevated Premier Cru sites of Les Perrières and Le Clos. Their methodical approach combines traditional hand-harvesting with extended lees aging and judicious oak use, maintaining the estate's longstanding commitment to expressing the appellation's distinctive mineral precision and textural richness.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine J.A. Ferret stands as one of the historic estates in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation of Burgundy, established in 1840. The domaine holds the distinction of being run by four generations of women, a rarity in 19th and 20th century Burgundy. Following Jeanne, her daughter Colette assumed control, succeeded by her daughter known respectfully as Mademoiselle Ferret, who managed the estate for several decades. The final family proprietor was Pauline Ferret, who continued the family tradition until 2008, when the domaine was acquired by Maison Louis Jadot.
Under Jadot's ownership, winemaker Audrey Braccini was appointed to lead the domaine, taking the helm in 2008. Braccini has maintained continuity with the domaine's traditional practices while implementing subtle refinements. The estate's headquarters remain in the village of Fuissé, operating from the same historic property where the Ferret family established their winemaking legacy in the 19th century.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine J.A. Ferret's holdings are concentrated entirely within the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy. The estate manages parcels across several of the appellation's most recognized climats, including Les Perrières, Les Ménétrières, and Le Clos. These vineyards are planted exclusively to Chardonnay, the sole permitted grape variety in Pouilly-Fuissé.
The domaine's vineyards benefit from the region's distinctive terroir, characterized by limestone-rich soils that vary from parcel to parcel. The vineyards sit at elevations between 200 and 300 meters, with varied exposures that contribute to the distinctive character of each cuvée. The estate produces a range of wines, including a classic Pouilly-Fuissé, several single-vineyard expressions, and a tête de cuvée called "Cuvée Tournant de Pouilly."
The domaine's flagship wine comes from Le Clos, a walled vineyard adjacent to the estate house in Fuissé. This historic parcel, along with Les Perrières, received Premier Cru classification in 2020, marking the first official recognition of vineyard hierarchy in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine J.A. Ferret's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the distinct terroirs of Pouilly-Fuissé through minimal intervention. The estate practices traditional vinification methods, with grapes harvested by hand and sorted meticulously before pressing. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, with the proportion varying by cuvée.
The domaine employs a distinctive aging protocol that involves extended contact with fine lees, typically for 10-11 months. This practice enhances texture and complexity while preserving freshness. For their single-vineyard and premier cru wines, aging occurs primarily in French oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak that typically ranges from 15-25%.
Temperature control during fermentation allows for precise management of the process, while bottling occurs after a single light filtration. The estate maintains detailed records of each vintage's growing conditions and vinification decisions, creating a valuable archive that informs future winemaking. Under Braccini's direction, the domaine continues to refine its approach while honoring the methodical, terroir-focused tradition established by the Ferret family over more than 150 years of winemaking in Pouilly-Fuissé.