Today’s Cellar Note takes us to the the Rhône Valley in France and a taste of two wines from Ferraton Père & Fils, both of which we received as tasting samples. These wines are part of the négociant range of wines produced by Ferraton Père & Fils, which was founded in 1946 by Jean Orëns Ferraton. Ferraton has been owned by Michel Chapoutier since 2004. The two families are bound by family histories in the northern Rhône and a dedication to quality wine production at both the négociant and single-vineyard estate level.
2015 Ferraton Père & Fils Samorëns Côtes du Rhône Rouge — medium ruby-garnet in the glass. Dark berry aromas combine with black pepper and savory hints of dried herbs. Ripe blackberry flavors along with dusty earth, slate and that interesting savory note that first appeared in the aromas are supported by drying tannins. The body is on the light side of medium and the finish in at least medium in length. 14% abv. SRP $14.
This delicious blend is a bargain. The combination of fruit and savory, herbaceous flavors is very pleasing. It is a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. Production notes indicate the grapes are sourced from vineyards located mainly on the left bank of the Rhône River. Côtes du Rhône is the largest classification in the AOC (both in terms of total acreage and wine production) and is situated mainly in the southern Rhône, although thin fingers of the appellation reach into the northern region as well.
2015 Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes-Hermitage — dense ruby in the glass with dark fruit, dusty earth and coffee aromas. Flavors of berry compote with a hint of vanilla and black pepper spice are supported by grippy, drying tannins. The flavors and tannins are moderate in length with a slight bitterness on the finish. 13% abv. SRP $23.
This wine is 100% Syrah sourced from both estate and neighboring vineyards. The Crozes-Hermitage AOC is located in the northern Rhône, on the left bank of the river and surrounds the smaller, very prestigious, Hermitage AOC. Both are cru communal classifications, the top rung on the wine-quality ladder in the Rhône Valley.
Thank you to Creative Palate Communications for a taste of the Rhône Valley.
Cheers!
