Chateau de Ferrand, a Grand Cru Classé de Saint Emilion, has a history dating back over 300 years, with only two families owning the estate throughout its existence. It was first owned by Elie de Betoulaud, followed by the Marquis de Mons and their descendants.

Today, it is owned by the family of Baron Bich, founder of BIC company. The estate is now managed by Pauline Bich Chandon-Moët, the daughter of Baron Bich, and her husband Philippe Chandon-Moët.

Significant improvements have been made at Château de Ferrand since 2010. The vineyards have been restructured and replanted based on thorough soil studies and adaptation of grape varieties to terroirs. The cultivation methods have been revamped, winemaking buildings modernised, and cellars upgraded, enabling plot-by-plot management. As a result, the wine’s quality levels have significantly improved.

In 2012, the family’s commitment to excellence was recognised when Château de Ferrand became a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé.

The estate, covering 42 hectares in a single plot, benefits from a rich and complex terroir with clay-limestone hillsides at around 100 meters above sea level. This elevated position provides ideal exposure to the winds and excellent ventilation, while slight slopes ensure proper drainage during summer rains.

The grape varieties grown are 70% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to a balanced wine with roundness, freshness, minerality, acidity, and a lingering finish.

The vineyard is managed with respect to each plot’s specific characteristics. Winter pruning, budding, and disbudding are carried out with precision. The grape harvest undergoes three sorting steps: at the vine, upon arrival, and an optical sorting before transfer to vats.

Château de Ferrand has been committed to an environmental approach since 2012, and as of 2021, the entire vineyard is undergoing organic conversion. The estate holds certifications like Terra Vitis (2012) and HVE level 3 (2018), and it obtained ISO 14001 standard certification in 2021, further supporting its environmental efforts.

Today, the estate boasts a fantastic hospitality and is worthy of a visit, dotted with curated BIC artistry and guest rooms.

Blend – 90% Merlot – 4 % Cabernet franc – 6% Cabernet sauvignon

Since 2007, Ferrand has also had a second wine: Le Différent de Château de Ferrand. It is a product of the same terroir and the same commitment to quality as Ferrand’s first wine. It can be enjoyed young and embodies a finesse and aromatic elegance that make it a wine for all seasons and occasions.

Wines are matured in French oak barrels for 14 to 18 months, seeking a perfect balance that highlights the fruit.

A lovely garnet colour with delicate pink touches. On the nose, when swirled it gains black fruit notes such as blackberry and cherry, with some development touches tending towards truffle and a spicy element that freshens the whole. On the palate, freshness in the attack draws us in and transforms into supple yet omnipresent tannins.

A lingering, soft, delicately spicy finish. A representative vintage of the Ferrand terroir with a wonderful future ahead. It offers beautiful balance that ensures ageing potential.

James Suckling – 89-90 points

A wine with blueberry and chocolate character. It’s a little lean now but it’s balanced and refined. Better than 2011.