Ferraton Pere et Fils, Ermitage Le Meal 2021
Product Information
Country France
Region Rhone
Grape Variety Syrah
Vintage 2021
ABV 13.5%
From the prestigious Hermitage AOC, the Le Méal vineyard is a prized south-facing single-vineyard parcel with terraces of rolled pebbles (galets roulés). This unique terroir provides excellent drainage and heat retention, helping 30-year-old Syrah vines produce refined, expressive fruit.
The 2021 vintage is celebrated for its elegance and precision. Critics note it is “lighter than surrounding vintages, with abundant dark berry fruit yet less liqueur-like than many recent Hermitage wines.”
Vineyard & Winemaking
• Appellation: Hermitage AOC, single-vineyard Le Méal
• Farming: Biodynamic, Demeter-certified
Harvest & Vinification
Grapes are destemmed and fermented in concrete vats for ~4 weeks, using pump-overs (remontages) and punch-downs (pigeages) for structure and depth.
• Ageing: 14–18 months in French oak barrels, 30–50% new oak depending on vintage.
Tasting Notes
• Appearance: Brilliant, deep ruby.
• Aroma: Layered notes of dark cherries, blackcurrants, grilled meat, smoke, black pepper, dried violets, leather, and baking spices.
• Palate: Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins, silky fruit, and savoury undertones. Excellent focus and precision make it ideal for long-term ageing.
• Finish: Long, structured, and elegant. Best cellared 2025–2040+.
• Serving: Decant recommended; serve at 17–18°C.
Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, venison, game, and aged hard cheeses, showcasing its powerful yet refined Rhône character.
Why Choose Ferraton Père & Fils Hermitage Le Méal 2021
This wine is a premium, biodynamic Rhône Syrah with layered complexity, precise tannins, and excellent ageing potential. Perfect for collectors, enthusiasts, and fine dining occasions.
Ferraton Père et Fils is a small family-owned organic vineyard in the Northern Rhône Valley, with roots in a historic vineyard plot on the prestigious Hermitage appellation. The winery’s journey began humbly and grew under the vision of Michel Ferraton, whose leadership was pivotal in shaping the legacy of this boutique wine estate.
Two key events transformed Ferraton Père et Fils into the acclaimed, artisanal wine brand it is today. First, a life-changing accident that left Michel’s son, Samuel, wheelchair-bound, coincided with Michel’s declining health. Second, a powerful partnership formed between Michel Ferraton and long-time friend and renowned Rhône winemaker Michel Chapoutier.
In 1998, the two Michels entered a strategic joint venture, laying the foundation for what is now a modern, biodynamic winery in Tain-l’Hermitage. While Ferraton remains fully independent, it benefits from Chapoutier’s financial backing and viticultural expertise. Since 2000, Ferraton Père et Fils has fully embraced biodynamic winemaking, ensuring sustainable, terroir-driven wines crafted with integrity and care.
Their vineyards are cultivated using the same strict biodynamic methods as Chapoutier, with top vineyard plots released as exclusive single-vineyard Rhône Valley wines. Alongside its estate wines, Ferraton operates a small, high-quality Rhône Valley wine négociant business, offering selected wines from across the Northern and Southern Rhône appellations.
Winemaking remains autonomous and deeply personal. Housed in a 100-year-old wine cellar and using a traditional wine press, Ferraton’s winery sits in the heart of Tain-l’Hermitage, right on the Rhône River, making it a popular stop for wine lovers and river cruise travellers alike.
