DOMAINE TARDIEU FERRAND
Terroir and Vinification
Two terroirs, a couple of winemakers, one Estate, more than 10 differents wines
Terroir is very important in viticulture and it is impossible to talk about a wine without mentioning it, but then what exactly is it ?! You have to understand that wine is shaped by four elements which are the soil, the vine, the climate and us: the winemakers!
Terroir
The part of the estate located in Montaren is in AOC Duché d'Uzès. It is the northernmost terroir of the farm, between hills and scrubland, sandstone soils (small limestone and clay pebbles), lean soils, a more humid and cold climate, less exposed to the mistral.
The vines located in Montfrin, for their part, with soils of rolled pebbles, are located on two AOC terroirs:The Côtes du Rhône village and the Costières de Nîmes.There are the oldest plots of the farm such as Grenache Noir, 44 years old.
In order to best express the potential of our different terroirs and obtain quality grapes, we will pay particular attention to the vineyard with reasoned agriculture, extensive green work (trellising, leaf stripping and green harvest), of the ground and careful monitoring.
Concerning the harvest, in order to preserve the quality of the grapes as much as possible, the harvest is manual in 15Kg crates and a first sorting is carried out on the vine.
We even wanted to briefly mention the meticulous work carried out in the vines and the importance of this because for us, oenologists and winegrowers, it is essential to stress that the quality of the grapes collected is the parameter that most impacts the final quality of the products. proposed. In other words, there are no good wines without good grapes!
The Domaine is labeled High Environmental Value and we have just started our conversion to organic farming.
Vinification
The grapes undergo a long maceration with daily punching of the cap. Vinification and maturing are defined according to the profile of the wines.
Most of the wines in our range are matured for 12 months in oak narrels or "demi muids" (larger barrels). The vinifcation aquipment is adapted to small volumes, wich allows us to preserve the typicity of each parcel right up to blendind.
Wines
Although our terroirs mean that we can claim diffrent AOP certifications, we've decided to vinify our entire range under the IGP Côteaux du Pont du Gard banner.
We want to enjoy maximum freedom for our vinifications and produce high-quality varietalwines, original wines, ...