In the heart of the Graves appellation, in the commune of Castres-sur-Gironde, Château Ferrande upholds the heritage of a great Bordeaux wine, combining authenticity and a vision for the future. Owned by the Castel family since 1992, this historic estate embodies both the richness of its distinctive soils and the strength of its heritage.
The name “Ferrande” already hints at its historical roots: once a military relay post within the Castrum of Castres, where mounted messengers would stop to have their horses shod. Echoes of this past remain today in the estate’s fortified walls, 17th-century winemaking records, a stately 18th-century manor house rebuilt in the late 19th century, and stables now converted into cellars. Yet behind this preserved legacy, Ferrande looks firmly to the future.
Here, everything begins with the soil. The vineyard is planted on the prestigious "Terrace 3" — deep, ancient Garonne gravel soils underpinned by a clay base that brings freshness and resilience in the face of climate change. These unique conditions endow the wines with structure, mineral finesse, and true depth. With a planting density of 9,600 vines per hectare — on par with the greatest grands crus — the vines yield less than one bottle per vine (0.7), ensuring excellent concentration of the berries. The red wines, guided by oenologist Thomas Duclot, are round, balanced, and spicy. The whites, in collaboration with Julien Belle, stand out for their freshness, aromatic intensity, and lively character. Since the 2022 vintage, a thorough refinement of the wine profiles has brought even greater precision and expression to Château Ferrande’s offerings.
This pursuit of excellence goes hand in hand with a strong environmental commitment. The estate is certified HVE (High Environmental Value) and Terra Vitis, uses only organic soil amendments, and dedicates 17% of its surface area to agroecological infrastructures (such as century-old cedar tree lanes and a landscaped park).
Recognized for its distinctive label and the quality of its wines, Château Ferrande has long been a member of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux. It proudly promotes a vision of wine that is both precise and accessible, while honoring the rich legacy of Bordeaux winemaking. Every glass delivers a dual promise: the expression of an exceptional terroir, and the ambition of an estate prepared to meet the challenges of modern viticulture. Indeed, Château Ferrande’s ambitions continue to grow. Following a comprehensive soil study completed in 2022, the estate is pursuing even more precise plot selection — a decisive step toward a new level of quality. At the same time, the renovation of the manor and its landscaped grounds is nearing completion, with plans to soon open a dedicated reception area in this exceptional setting. Stay tuned …
Photos : Parangon
A Chigny-les-Roses, village de la montagne de Reims, Arnaud et Sophie Gounel
