Hermitage Les Miaux, Ferraton 2022

Ferraton Père et Fils is a small family-owned vineyard business with its roots in a tiny vineyard holding on Hermitage. This was expanded under Michel Ferraton, who was central to the fortunes of this business.

Two things have shaped the bijou company that Ferraton is today. Firstly, an appalling accident which left Michel’s son Samuel crippled and chairbound at about the same time that Michel himself was suffering from ill-health. The second was the friendship that existed between Michel Ferraton and Michel Chapoutier. The two Michels signed a joint venture in 1998, which has resulted in the creation of a small, youthful and dynamic business, independent of Chapoutier but underpinned by Chapoutier expertise and finance.

The Ferratons still run the vineyard, and, since 2000, have adopted biodynamism. The vines are worked as they are at Chapoutier, with the best sites marketed as single-vineyard wines. Added to this is a small, high-quality négoce business which covers all the northern Rhône appellations and a few from the south as well.

Winemaking may owe something to Chapoutier but is quite independent of the larger firm. Its 100-year press and cellars, right in the middle of Tain l’Hermitage and situated right by the river, make it an obvious stop for the river cruises.