Harvested manually according to their ripeness, the Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Sauvignon Gris varieties that make up the Château Ferrande white blend are distinguished by their aromatic complexity. The distinctive pink-skinned Sauvignon Gris, an ancestral variety present in unusually large proportions for the Graves appellation, represents something of a catalyst, bringing the blend its signature minerality and exoticism.
On the nose, Château Ferrande balances tropical aromas (mango, lychee, passion fruit, grapefruit, ginger) with notes of vanilla from the barrel. On the palate, initial freshness and vigour gradually allow the wine’s balanced, elegant foundation to show through. This elegance is also present on the finish, adding an almost saline minerality.
91-92 pts, James Suckling, 2018 vintage
91-92 pts, James Suckling, 2017 vintage
A fine expression of an outstanding Graves terroir, Château Ferrande’s red blend leans heavily on the appellation’s two key grape varieties. A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine’s fresh fruit aromas are beautifully underpinned by an elegant tannic structure. Vintage after vintage, the winemaking team remains faithful to what has become a winning formula, aiming to maintain the supple, sensual classicism associated with Bordeaux’s finest wines.
On the nose, intense ripe fruit aromas (especially cherry) are joined by nutty notes and hints of cocoa and liquorice. The boldness of the nose is confirmed in the mouth, with a supple attack giving way to an uninhibitedly fruit-forward, full bodied mid-palate. Minty notes on the finish reveal all the elegance of a distinguished Bordeaux red.
90-91 pts, James Suckling 2018 vintage
91 pts, Decanter, 2018 vintage
91 – 92 pts, Yves Beck, 2018 vintage
Château Ferrande red pairs equally subtly with rustic, hearty cuisine and more complex dishes, revealing its depth. Its aromatic boldness and solid tannic structure enable it to stand up to homemade terrines, pork belly and flame grilled beef. Its surprising freshness and versatility bring out the more subtle flavours of dishes such as veal carpaccio or wild mushroom risotto.
Lively and unusual, Château Ferrande white is an intriguing proposition for creative chefs. Subtle pairings such as scallops in a sauce of vin jaune with summer vegetables provide the perfect canvas for the wine’s delicate minerality.
While its tropical notes bring out the best in salmon or langoustine tartare with coriander and lime, the freshness of its fruit provides the perfect foil for ripe goats cheese like Rocamadour or crottin de Chavignol.