Ferraton Père & Fils : Les Dionnières 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for Les Dionnières 2020, Ferraton Père & Fils

Tasting

Appearance

The color shows a deep ruby red hue with bright highlights, reflecting fine concentration and successful extraction.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, combining floral notes of violet with red-fruit aromas such as raspberry and cherry. Spicy and licorice nuances add depth, alongside herbal and mineral touches that reflect the terroir’s granite and limestone origins.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its power and generosity. Red-fruit flavors linger, supported by the licorice and spice notes perceived on the nose. The tannic structure, clearly present and harmoniously integrated, provides a solid framework without aggressiveness. The finish is long and persistent, leaving an impression of depth and complexity that points to strong aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with red meats in sauce, notably braised beef or lamb. It also elegantly complements game dishes, fine charcuterie, or recipes featuring mushrooms and root vegetables prepared with richness.

Serving and cellaring

Les Dionnières 2020 will benefit from decanting before serving to fully reveal its aromatic range. A serving temperature between 16 and 18°C is recommended. This wine has significant aging potential and can be cellared for around fifteen to twenty years under good conditions.

A powerful Ermitage from old vines in the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1946 by Jean Orëns Ferraton with just 0.3 hectare in the Ermitage appellation, the Domaine Ferraton Père & Fils gradually developed under the impetus of Michel Ferraton, who expanded the vineyard holdings and grew the négociant activity. Since 1998, the estate has been committed to biodynamic viticulture, with a full conversion completed in 2000. Under the guidance of Michel Chapoutier while retaining its operational independence, Ferraton Père & Fils farms around 25 hectares of biodynamic vines in the Northern Rhône Valley and produces wines recognized for their authentic expression of terroir.

The vineyard

Les Dionnières comes from a historic parcel located in the lieu-dit of the same name within the Ermitage appellation. The vines, with the oldest dating back to the original 1946 plantings, have an average age of thirty to forty years, with some nearing eighty years. The terroir is characterized by clay-limestone soils enriched with alluvial deposits and surface-rounded pebbles. The south-facing exposure promotes optimal ripening, while the moderate slope ensures natural drainage and encourages deep vine rooting.

The vintage

The year 2020 began with a mild winter followed by a contrasting spring. Summer proved hot and sunny with periods of drought, encouraging remarkable grape concentration. Late-season conditions made it possible to reach optimal ripeness, giving rise to powerful, balanced wines.

Winemaking and aging

To produce Les Dionnières 2020, the grapes are fully destemmed before vinification. Fermentation takes place in traditional concrete vats for around a month, allowing controlled extraction through pump-overs and punch-downs. After malolactic fermentation carried out in barrels, the wine is aged for fourteen to sixteen months in oak barrels, 20 to 30% new oak, with the remainder in neutral vessels. This approach helps shape this Rhône Valley wine while preserving the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Syrah