Château Ferran
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Château Ferran is a family-owned winegrowing estate located in Gironde, certified organic (Agriculture Biologique) and biodynamic (Demeter). It produces wines in AOC Pessac-Léognan and Entre Deux Mers Haut Benauge on clay-limestone soils.
Identity
Château Ferran is a winegrowing estate located in Martillac, in Gironde. The property is managed by Philippe and Ghislaine Lacoste, representing the fifth generation of the family. Château Ferran also has a presence in Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, also in Gironde.
History and Philosophy
The history of Château Ferran is closely linked to the family that has owned it since 1880. In the 18th century, the estate is said to have belonged to Montesquieu. Philippe and Ghislaine Lacoste took over management of the vineyard in the late 1990s. In early 2018, the fifth generation took the helm of the estate, carrying forward a deep attachment to the land dating back to 1976.
The estate is committed to environmentally friendly viticultural practices, holding organic (Agriculture Biologique) and biodynamic (Demeter) certifications. These practices include the elimination of weedkillers and products carrying CMR risks (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic), as well as the use of mating disruption as an alternative to insecticides. The biodynamic approach is reflected in the application of herbal teas (nettle, horsetail, comfrey, willow, dandelion) and specific preparations (horn silica, horn manure), along with biodynamic compost.
The Appellations
Château Ferran produces wines under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Pessac-Léognan. The estate also crafts wines under the Entre Deux Mers Haut Benauge appellation.
Practical Information
Château Ferran is located in Martillac, at 15 Route de Lartigue (33650).
The estate also has an address in Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, at lieu-dit Le Tucaou (33760).
Telephone contact: +33 (0)5 56 72 62 73 or +33 5 56 61 98 61.
Email contact: ferran@chateauferran.com
Opening hours vary according to the season. From May to September, the estate is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Mondays by appointment. During the rest of the year, visits and tastings are strictly by appointment, from Monday to Saturday. The estate is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Tours and tastings are available by appointment and can be conducted in English or French.
Find Out More
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Ferran located and who currently runs it?
- Château Ferran is located in Martillac in Gironde, and is managed by Philippe and Ghislaine Lacoste. They represent the fifth generation of the family at the helm of this winegrowing estate. The property also carries out activities in Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, also in Gironde, thereby establishing an extensive footprint across the Bordeaux region for this family-owned estate.
- Which environmental certifications has Château Ferran achieved?
- Château Ferran is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique) and biodynamic (Demeter), as well as Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). These certifications demonstrate the estate's commitment to environmentally friendly viticultural practices. This includes dispensing with chemical weedkillers, applying plant teas and biodynamic preparations, and using mating disruption for pest control, thereby minimising the impact on the vineyard ecosystem.
- Which grape varieties are grown at Château Ferran for its red and white wines?
- For the red wines of Pessac-Léognan, the grape varieties comprise 78% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot. For the white wines of the same appellation, the vineyard is planted with 80% Sauvignon and 20% Sémillon. Other parcels include Cabernet Franc and Muscadelle, enhancing the diversity of wines crafted at the estate on its clay-limestone soils.
- How can one visit Château Ferran?
- Château Ferran is located at 15 Route de Lartigue in Martillac (33650). From May to September, the estate is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Mondays by appointment. Throughout the remainder of the year, visits and tastings are possible strictly by appointment, from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Tours and tastings can be organised in French or English by contacting the estate by telephone or email.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The total area of the estate spans 70 hectares, equally divided between vines, century-old woodland, and meadows. The vineyard covers 21.8 hectares for Pessac-Léognan wines, of which 17 hectares are dedicated to red grape varieties and 4.8 hectares to white grape varieties. Another vineyard spanning a total area of 35 hectares is also noted, with around 20% of its surface planted with white vines.
The vineyard soils are predominantly clay-limestone.
The grape varieties planted for the red Pessac-Léognan wines comprise Merlot (78%), Cabernet Sauvignon (12%), and Petit Verdot (10%). For the white wines, the plantings consist of Sauvignon (80%) and Sémillon (20%).
Another red varietal breakdown is reported: 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc. For the white wines of this same vineyard, the grape varieties are 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Sémillon, and 15% Muscadelle.
Biodiversity is a core priority for the estate, with vineyards encircled by woodland and the presence of 6 hectares of "wild" plots.
Flagship Cuvées
Château Ferran offers both red and white wines.
The red wines are characterised by their finesse, dark fruit aromas, and toasted notes. Average production is around 90,000 bottles.
The white wines, grown on clay-limestone soils, deliver fresh notes of citrus zest and iodised hints. Average production is around 25,000 bottles.
Vinification and Ageing
The estate implements vinification and ageing practices aligned with its environmental and biodynamic commitments.
- Appellation
- Pessac-Léognan
- Commune
- Martillac
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Owner
- Famille Lacoste
- Surface area
- 70 ha
- Certifications
- Bio, Biodynamie, HVE
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 78%, Cabernet Sauvignon 12%, Petit Verdot 10%, Sauvignon 80%, Sémillon 20%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Muscadelle 15%
Practical information
- Address
- Le Tucaou, 33760 SAINT PIERRE DE BAT
- Phone
- +33 5 56 61 98 61
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Ouvert du mardi au samedi de mai à septembre de 10h à 18h et le lundi de 10h à 18h (mais visite sur RDV). Ouvert le reste de l'année du lundi au samedi, uniquement sur RDV pour visites et dégustations. Fermé les dimanches et jours fériés.
- Visits
- Visite et dégustation sur rendez-vous tous les jours.