Château Ferrière

History of Château Ferrière

Founded at the end of the 17th century by Gabriel Ferrière, a royal broker and influential figure in maritime brokerage, Château Ferrière has been intimately linked to the history of Bordeaux from its very beginnings. Gabriel Ferrière, by acquiring the finest viticultural lands of Margaux, sought to create an exceptional wine for the lavish receptions held under Louis XV. The Ferrière family, who managed the estate for nearly 300 years, saw their château attain the prestigious classification of 3rd Grand Cru Classé in 1855.

In 1914, the Château left the hands of the Ferrière family and passed through several owners, notably Armand Feuillerat, then his daughter, before being leased for nearly 40 years. During this period, the wine was produced by Château Lascombes, leaving Château Ferrière in the shadows. It was not until 1988, with the acquisition of the estate by the Merlaut family, that the Château was truly reborn. Bernadette Merlaut-Villars embarked on an ambitious renovation project and reinvented the property. Following her tragic death, her daughter Claire Villars-Lurton took over the reins in 1999, at only 25 years of age. Under her leadership, Château Ferrière turned towards organic and then biodynamic farming, becoming one of the first Grands Crus Classés to adopt this philosophy of cultivation.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Ferrière

Château Ferrière extends over 24 hectares of vines on the left bank, at the heart of the Margaux appellation. Its unique terroir is composed of deep gravels resting on calcareous marls, offering the grape varieties a geological diversity conducive to the production of balanced and complex wines. The estate cultivates four grape varieties emblematic of Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Merlot (41%), Petit Verdot (6%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). These vines, a third of which were planted in the 1950s, are deeply rooted in the soil, which imparts to them an aromatic richness and a great concentration of fruit.

These old vines, cultivated according to environmentally responsible methods, have not been cloned, which means that each plant has its own identity. They thus contribute to the biological diversity of the vineyard and allow for rigorous mass selection for the replanting of new plots.

Biodiversity is at the heart of the agricultural practices of Château Ferrière. Through the planting of hedgerows and the use of green fertilisers, the estate preserves and strengthens local ecosystems, while capturing atmospheric carbon. These agroecological practices contribute to the sound structure of the soils, limit erosion and promote the microbial life essential to the health of the vines.

Vinifications of Château Ferrière

Winemaking at Château Ferrière is a meticulous art, oriented towards the gentle extraction of aromas in order to best reflect the identity of the terroir. The grapes, harvested by hand, are first carefully sorted before being transferred into vats adapted to the specificities of each plot.

The fermentation process is natural, using indigenous yeasts to better preserve the integrity of the fruit. Pump-overs are carried out once a day for a gentle extraction, and the temperature is controlled so as never to exceed 25°C, thus guaranteeing the freshness of the aromas. Macerations last approximately three weeks, which allows the wines to develop great complexity while retaining a characteristic elegance.

The estate also distinguishes itself through the use of innovative techniques: approximately 20% of the wine is aged in raw concrete ovoid tanks, developed specifically for Château Ferrière. The majority of the ageing takes place in oak barrels, of which 40% are new casks, imparting to the wine a well-balanced structure between wood and fruit.

Château Ferrière has also chosen to ban oenological inputs during vinification, in order to respect the authenticity of the grape. This minimalist approach, coupled with the moderate use of sulphur, preserves the purity of the wine and allows the terroir to be expressed in all its splendour.

The cuvées of Château Ferrière

Château Ferrière produces cuvées that combine finesse, depth and elegance, typical of the Margaux appellation. Among the wines of the estate, two major cuvées stand out:

Château Ferrière - Fine Wine

The fine wine of Château Ferrière, crafted from the oldest vines, is the ultimate expression of the Margaux terroir. This wine is characterised by its freshness, its minerality and its fine tannins. Notes of dark fruits, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, blend harmoniously with subtle aromas of violet, liquorice and soft spices. On the palate, it reveals itself as ample, with a beautiful persistence and an aromatic complexity that evolves over the years. This wine is aged in barrels for approximately 18 months, which imparts a delicate structure, ideal for long cellaring.

Les Remparts de Ferrière - Second Wine

Les Remparts de Ferrière is the second wine of the Château, sourced from younger vines and slightly less prestigious plots. It is nonetheless a wine of great quality, offering a more accessible approach to the Ferrière style. With aromas of crunchy red fruits, supple tannins and a beautiful acidity, it is perfect for more immediate drinking, while also possessing an interesting ageing potential.

The finest vintages of Margaux, one of the most prestigious wines from Bordeaux, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Among the most remarkable years, one finds 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. Recent vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also highly regarded for their structure and richness. Other years such as 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 confirm Margaux's consistency in producing exceptional wines, a symbol of Bordeaux excellence.

We invite you to discover the various Châteaux Troisièmes Grands Crus Classés, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Set out to explore the great terroirs of Margaux with the prestigious Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Desmirail, Château Ferrière, Château Giscours, Château d'Issan, Château Kirwan, Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Château Marquis d'Alesme and Château Palmer. Continue your journey with the wines of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Château Lagrange and Château Langoa Barton in Saint-Julien, not forgetting the finesse of Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc. Each estate promises an unforgettable experience, reflecting the art of the wines of the Médoc.

Château Ferrière stands today as one of the most innovative and respected estates in the Margaux appellation. Thanks to Claire Villars-Lurton's unwavering commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible viticulture, the Château has succeeded in combining tradition and modernity, producing authentic and refined wines. Certified in biodynamics both in the vineyard and in the cellar, Château Ferrière distinguishes itself through its pioneering approach, its wines of complex aromas and its pursuit of excellence.