Planted on the clay-limestone hillsides of Saint-Hippolyte at around 100 meters above sea level, Ferrand is one of the highest vineyards in the Saint-Émilion appellation.
It looks down onto a curve in the Dordogne valley and enjoys ideal exposure to the winds.
This elevated position has various benefits for winemaking. Rising air currents keep the site well ventilated. All of the plots have slight slopes, ensuring that a significant portion of the summer rains runs off.
Following a process of mapping the soil and subsoil and of winegrowing plot regrouping, Château de Ferrand undertook a programme of replanting, tailoring its choice of plant material to the estate’s different soil types.
Planting density was increased sharply to 8,300 vines per hectare as replanting work was completed.
The leaf to fruit ratio was increased, significantly improving the quality of each harvest.