Domaine de Ferrand Côtes du Rhône ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2020

Description

Importer Notes: “Philippe Bravay is now in charge of the family domaine and, to quote the recent article in Wine Spectator where his 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape was the top rated wine, he is “now in a groove here”. He is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions that Châteauneuf du Pâpe brings to the wine world although only a few will ever get to enjoy his wines as 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 Chemin Saint Jean. He 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.
The Châteauneuf du Pâpe is 90% Grenache, the vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years of age, and the balance the other twelve Châteauneuf varietals. From these he obtains superb natural ripeness, usually in excess of 14%. His methods are classic and the aging is for the most part in large oak foudre, but also a small portion in old barriques, however no new oak. The reds here start off life dark fruited, juicy and succulent and will close up after 5 years before opening again to evolve into penetrating and exotic flavours of kirsch, ash, sandalwood, leather and spice; always big wines, they are the very image of their landscape—hillsides of mistral battered vines growing between sun bleached stones the size of your fist. This is a wine stylistically similar to Domaines Marcoux, Charvin and Vielle-Julienne – all of whom are neighbours.

The 2020 Côtes Du Rhône ‘Vieilles Vignes’ – 90% Grenache with Syrah/Mourvèdre/Cinsault. Planted in the 1920’s which is from very old vines (important with Grenache) literally across the border of the Châteauneuf du Pâpe AOP is by far the best example of this wine that I have seen, like his CNDP above. This is from a plot planted in 1920 and almost legally Châteauneuf du Pâpe; it’s vines are separated from the more venerable appellation by a skinny country road…right next to their home and cellar- the price is ridiculous when you consider what is in the bottle! ; this is always an astonishingly good Côtes Du Rhône and beats most Châteauneuf du Pâpe.” Andrew Guard, Importer

RRP $49  Our Special Price $43.99 – Limited stock.