Château Ferrière

Château Ferrière was founded in the late 17th century by Gabriel Ferrière, a royal ship-broker, and remained within the Ferrière family for nearly 300 years until 1914. The estate's classification as a Third Growth in 1855 reflected its then-established reputation in Margaux. Between 1952 and 1991, the property was leased to negociant Alexis Lichine, who partly incorporated its vines into Château Lascombes, a period that significantly diminished Ferrière's identity and planted area. The Villars-Merlaut family purchased the estate in 1988, and Claire Villars-Lurton assumed control at just 25 years old following her mother's accidental death. Her stewardship has redefined the estate entirely.

• Founded by Gabriel Ferrière, a royal ship-broker, in the late 17th century
• Leased to Alexis Lichine 1952-1991, during which vines were partially used for Château Lascombes
• Villars-Merlaut family purchased the estate in 1988
• Claire Villars-Lurton took over management at 25 following her mother's accidental death

Château Ferrière holds a unique distinction among all 61 estates in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification: it is the only one certified biodynamic in both the vineyard and the cellar. The estate achieved organic certification in 2015, then earned both Demeter and Biodyvin biodynamic certifications in 2018. This dual certification extends beyond field practices to encompass winemaking methods inside the cellar, making the commitment more comprehensive than most biodynamic claims in Bordeaux. Ferrière stands as a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture across the Médoc, a region not historically associated with this approach.

• Organic certification achieved in 2015
• Demeter and Biodyvin biodynamic certifications earned in 2018
• Only 1855 classified growth biodynamic in both vineyard and cellar
• Recognized as a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the Médoc

The estate covers 24 hectares in the Margaux-Cantenac commune, within the broader Margaux appellation of the Médoc. Soils are composed of deep Garonne gravel over limestone marl, a profile typical of the finest Margaux terroirs and well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon ripening. The vineyard was dramatically expanded from just 8 hectares through a series of acquisitions beginning after 2012, tripling the estate's planted area over a relatively short period. The temperate oceanic climate of the Médoc moderates temperatures and limits frost risk, supporting the gradual, even ripening that produces Margaux's characteristic finesse.

• 24 hectares in Margaux-Cantenac, expanded from 8 hectares after 2012
• Deep Garonne gravel soils over limestone marl
• Temperate oceanic climate typical of the Médoc
• Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend at 51%, supported by 41% Merlot

Ferrière produces wines in the classic Margaux mold: elegant, refined, and supple, with fine tannins and notable aromatic complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon at 51% provides the structural backbone, while Merlot at 41% contributes roundness and plush mid-palate texture. Petit Verdot at 6% adds depth of color and spice, and Cabernet Franc at 2% contributes aromatic lift. The second wine, Les Remparts de Ferrière, offers an accessible entry point into the estate's style. The biodynamic approach in the cellar as well as the vineyard reflects a commitment to minimal intervention that reinforces the terroir expression in the finished wine.