A Southern Rhone gentleman of the vines

We often talk about small production and its a relative term but in Phillipe Bravay’s case this is a legitimate claim with tiny holdings of 5.5 hectares in Southern Rhone. 

The family of Ferrand’s grape growing history stretches back to the 19th Century, in the past working with négociants and co-operatives. When Phillipe took over the Domaine he bottled his first wine under his own label in 1997. 

He is owner of some of the oldest vines (some over 100 years in age) within Châteauneuf-du-Pape releasing them under lieu- dits (single plots) and he also produces two cuvées of outstanding Côtes-du-Rhône. 

The vineyard work lies in organic principles and chooses to destem anywhere between 10% and 50% depending on vintage conditions.  Traditional basket presses are used and vinification takes place  in concrete tanks which helps account for the supreme elegance and perfume of his wines. 

The Côtes du Rhône bottlings consist of around 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. The Châteauneuf du Pâpe is usually 90% Grenache. 

One of the most admirable features of Domaine de Ferrand is his reasonable prices for the sheer quality of wine in the bottle. With severe limits of yields to always produce concentrated wines, we are not quite sure how he manages it, but it leaves us in awe and certain to seek his wines out year after year.