Chateau Ferran 2019, Pessac-Leognan

Pessac-Leognan from a Martillac estate that Montesquieu once owned, and the only wine from that appellation I have on the list.

The Estate Ferran sits in Martillac, in Pessac-Léognan, and has had vines since the eighteenth century, when the philosopher Montesquieu owned it. The same family has run it since 1880, and the fifth generation took over gradually from 2018. It has held France's HVE certification for environmental farming since 2018 and uses no herbicides.

The Vineyard A ridge of gravel over clay and limestone, planted mostly to Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Petit Verdot.

Ageing In oak barrels before bottling.

Tasting Note The estate's reds are made for finesse, with black fruit and a note of toasted bread.