Ferraton Pere & Pils 2015 Saint-Joseph Rhone Valley Wine

A Real 'Tour De Force'

By: Philip S. Kampe - Jan 10, 2019

                          2015 Saint-Joseph 'La Source' Cotes de Rhones

Ferraton Pere & Fils, headed by onenologist Damien Brisset has scored a true ’tour de force’ with the 2015 Saint-Joseph ($30). The northern Rhone Valley, known for Syrah, has come to life with another of Ferraton Pere & Fils value wines. 

Normally, I drink the reasonably priced Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu. It’s a great wine to keep as a ‘go to’ everyday wine. But, at $30 and from the acclaimed 2015 vintage, why not splurge for the Saint-Joseph ‘La Source’ to start 2019 off.

I am glad I did.

Ferraton Pere & Fils (FPF from now on) was established in the center of Hermitage in 1946 by Jean Orens Ferraton. As the years went on, son, Michel, grew the estate to include plots in Saint-Joseph, as well as Crozes Hermitage.

Today, respected wine producer, Michel Chapoutier owns the property, but, has given the reigns to Damien Brisset to run the property independently.

Since 2015, all of the FPF  properties have become certified biodynamic.
Organic farming began in 1998.

The 2015 vintage in the Rhone Valley was considered by many as an ‘epic year.’ The conditions were perfect, warm and abundantly sunny days and just enough rain to precede an unusually long growing season. The end result was a bounty of exceptional 2015 vintage wines.

The 2015 Saint-Joseph embodies what determined grapes with an exceptional winemaker can achieve. Barrel aged for over a year (10% new oak) and deep in color (ruby), this mineral laden, spicy wine with an extremely long finish, drinks like a $60 counterpart.

FPF is known for high quality wines at value price points. The 2015 Saint-Joseph ‘La Source’ has well achieved M. Chapoutier’s goal.

If you are ever in the Rhone Valley and want to visit the winery or possibly meet Damien Brisset, visit their website: www.ferraton.fr  or call +33 (0)475 08 59 51