Producer Article
Domaine de Ferrand
Last edited on 9/24/2023 by LindsayM
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Read more about Domaine de Ferrand
Young Philippe Bravay is unquestionable one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s up and coming stars. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Bravay is now taking over the family domaine and is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that Chateauneuf brings to the world. The domaine is tiny, only 5 ½ hectares of which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old, all situated in the lieu-dit Ferrand. He uses organic growing techniques, limits yields strictly (his Cotes du Rhone, even, is less than 2 1/2 tons to the acre yields, and the Chateauneuf du Pape even less) and vinifies traditionally.
The Cotes du Rhone vines were planted between 1933 and 1946, and consist of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. It is "a beautiful example of how much flavor, character, and complexity can be packed into a Cotes du Rhone." - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The Chateauneuf du Pape is 90% Grenache, the vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years of age, and the balance the other twelve Chateauneuf varietals. From these he obtains superb natural ripeness, usually in excess of 14%. The vinification is traditional and the aging is for the most part in large oak foudre, but also a portion in barrique, however no new oak. As great as these wines are, judging by the potential of the ’99, which was even riper, this is a domaine that’s only going to get better.
Chateauneuf du Pape focused website
Until 1995 most of the wine was sold to negociants and only a small part was bottled by Charles Bravay. Then Philippe took over and much has happened at the estate. Philippe is the 4. generation at the property and from 1997 he has bottled most of the wine under the mark Domaine Ferrand.
Chateauneuf du Pape is made from 5,5 ha. The vines producing wine for bottling at the domain are planted 1910 and 1930. Sold wine in tank is from 30-years-old vines or younger.
Bravay owns some ha. in the Cotes du Rhone area.
Although only a few will ever get to enjoy these wines as the domaine is very small (only 5 ~ ha in Châteauneuf du Pâpe and 10 in Côtes du Rhône, which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old) they are well worth the hunt.
All the vines are situated in the lieu-dit Chemin Saint Jean, the same Northern holy grail as Charvin, Beaucastel, Marcoux and La Vieille Julienne.Current custodian Philippe Bravay uses organic growing techniques and limits yields severely (his Côtes du Rhône yields less than 2 tonnes to the acre, and the Châteauneuf du Pâpe much less) vinification is traditional: open top fermenters, basket presses, and cement cuves.Following some excellent press in the past few years, these wines have started to be hoarded by trophy collectors but remain excellent value.The Côtes du Rhône vines were planted between 1933 and 1946, and consist of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. It is quite unbelievable just how good these are.France's appellation laws, whilst quite brilliant, can be frustrating for some, including Philippe Bravay - a little country road acts as a separation point that prevents these vines from being able to produce Châteauneuf du Pâpe. They are fantastic Côtes du Rhônes!
Winemaking: Natural indigenous yeasts only. Maceration 'à froid' for 2 days to avoid explosive start to the fermentation. Mostly ferments at 27/28° with 30°max. Remontage morning and afternoon for 6 days of 25% of the volume of the cuve, 20 day cuvaison follows. Press wine assembled at the start. Racked once after alcoholic fermentation and again after malolactic fermentation ‚– then not touched. Prefers to keep max amount of C02 possible during elevage. Bottled in May after 20 months with no filtration but light fining. Cuvaison and elevage is all in tank (either cement or stainless steel). - Importer Note
Young Philippe Bravay is unquestionable one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s up and coming stars. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Bravay is now taking over the family domaine and is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that Chateauneuf brings to the world. The domaine is tiny, only 5 ½ hectares of which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old, all situated in the lieu-dit Ferrand. He uses organic growing techniques, limits yields strictly (his Cotes du Rhone, even, is less than 2 1/2 tons to the acre yields, and the Chateauneuf du Pape even less) and vinifies traditionally.
The Cotes du Rhone vines were planted between 1933 and 1946, and consist of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. It is "a beautiful example of how much flavor, character, and complexity can be packed into a Cotes du Rhone." - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The Chateauneuf du Pape is 90% Grenache, the vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years of age, and the balance the other twelve Chateauneuf varietals. From these he obtains superb natural ripeness, usually in excess of 14%. The vinification is traditional and the aging is for the most part in large oak foudre, but also a portion in barrique, however no new oak. As great as these wines are, judging by the potential of the ’99, which was even riper, this is a domaine that’s only going to get better.
Chateauneuf du Pape focused website
Until 1995 most of the wine was sold to negociants and only a small part was bottled by Charles Bravay. Then Philippe took over and much has happened at the estate. Philippe is the 4. generation at the property and from 1997 he has bottled most of the wine under the mark Domaine Ferrand.
Chateauneuf du Pape is made from 5,5 ha. The vines producing wine for bottling at the domain are planted 1910 and 1930. Sold wine in tank is from 30-years-old vines or younger.
Bravay owns some ha. in the Cotes du Rhone area.
Although only a few will ever get to enjoy these wines as the domaine is very small (only 5 ~ ha in Châteauneuf du Pâpe and 10 in Côtes du Rhône, which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old) they are well worth the hunt.
All the vines are situated in the lieu-dit Chemin Saint Jean, the same Northern holy grail as Charvin, Beaucastel, Marcoux and La Vieille Julienne.Current custodian Philippe Bravay uses organic growing techniques and limits yields severely (his Côtes du Rhône yields less than 2 tonnes to the acre, and the Châteauneuf du Pâpe much less) vinification is traditional: open top fermenters, basket presses, and cement cuves.Following some excellent press in the past few years, these wines have started to be hoarded by trophy collectors but remain excellent value.The Côtes du Rhône vines were planted between 1933 and 1946, and consist of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. It is quite unbelievable just how good these are.France's appellation laws, whilst quite brilliant, can be frustrating for some, including Philippe Bravay - a little country road acts as a separation point that prevents these vines from being able to produce Châteauneuf du Pâpe. They are fantastic Côtes du Rhônes!
Winemaking: Natural indigenous yeasts only. Maceration 'à froid' for 2 days to avoid explosive start to the fermentation. Mostly ferments at 27/28° with 30°max. Remontage morning and afternoon for 6 days of 25% of the volume of the cuve, 20 day cuvaison follows. Press wine assembled at the start. Racked once after alcoholic fermentation and again after malolactic fermentation ‚– then not touched. Prefers to keep max amount of C02 possible during elevage. Bottled in May after 20 months with no filtration but light fining. Cuvaison and elevage is all in tank (either cement or stainless steel). - Importer Note