Château de Ferrand

Château de Ferrand was founded in 1702 by Elie de Bétoulaud, and its ownership history is remarkably stable for a Bordeaux estate of this age. For nearly 275 years, the property remained within the Bétoulaud and Marquis de Mons family line before passing to the Bich family in 1978. The Bichs, founders of the globally recognized BIC company, brought fresh investment and ambition to the estate. Beginning in 2010, the property underwent significant restructuring and modernization, culminating in its promotion to Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in the 2012 classification. Gonzague de Lambert has served as director since 2017, guiding the estate through its continued evolution.

• Founded 1702 by Elie de Bétoulaud
• Bétoulaud/Marquis de Mons family ownership until 1977
• Acquired by the Bich family (BIC founder) in 1978
• Promoted to Grand Cru Classé in the 2012 Saint-Émilion classification

The estate spans 42 hectares in total, with 32 hectares under vine and the remaining 10 hectares comprising parkland, woods, and meadows. The vineyards sit at approximately 100 meters above sea level on clay-limestone hillsides in the commune of Saint-Hippolyte, a satellite village within the broader Saint-Émilion appellation. The elevated position delivers good drainage, ideal sun exposure, and natural ventilation from the valley below. The clay-rich soils favor Merlot and contribute to the chalky, mineral character noted in the wines.

• 32 hectares of vines on clay-limestone soils at 100 meters elevation
• Located in Saint-Hippolyte, within the Saint-Émilion appellation
• South-facing slopes with natural drainage and Dordogne valley exposure
• Clay-rich subsoils support the dominant Merlot plantings

Château de Ferrand has pursued a steady path toward sustainable and eventually organic viticulture. Terra Vitis certification was achieved in 2012, the same year as the Grand Cru Classé promotion. HVE Level 3 certification followed in 2018, confirming high environmental value practices across the estate. ISO 14001 environmental management certification was awarded in 2021, and the same year marked the first vintage of organic conversion. This trajectory reflects the estate's commitment under current ownership to both quality improvement and environmental responsibility.

• Terra Vitis certified 2012
• HVE Level 3 certified 2018
• ISO 14001 environmental management certified 2021
• First organic conversion vintage produced in 2021

The grand vin of Château de Ferrand is a Merlot-dominant red, typically blending 70-75% Merlot with 15-29% Cabernet Franc and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines display a deep garnet color and an intense nose of ripe fruit and spice, with red fruit, blackcurrant, raspberry, and blueberry at the fore. The finish is elegant, with notable chalky texture and minerality reflecting the clay-limestone soils. A second wine, Le Différent de Château de Ferrand, offers earlier accessibility at a more approachable price point.