The Guillaman estate has been in the Ferret family since 1761. Stéphanie and Dominique represent the sixth generation of winegrowers. Dominique is a self-taught and passionate winemaker since he was 24, and his wines have won numerous awards every year since 2000. The family estate owns 45 hectares of vineyards and is located in Gondrin, in the heart of Gascony, between Toulouse and Bordeaux. Grassed areas within the vineyard prevent water shortages and thus enhance the aromatic potential. Vineyard cultivation is carefully managed, and shoots are thinned to ensure a perfectly healthy harvest and optimal ripeness.
The fermentation of the harvested grapes is also carried out in a completely modern way. Ferret begins with a twelve-hour maceration on the skins. This is followed by pressing, followed by another very slow twelve-day maceration at five degrees Celsius. Only then does the actual alcoholic fermentation begin. These modern techniques result in a wine with considerable aromatic power. This effect is further enhanced by a tank aging of almost two months on the dead yeast cells, which also impart flavors to the wine.
This makes for delicious white wines. This Cotes de Gascogne Chardonnay, for example, boasts a rich aroma of tropical fruit, along with a hint of citrus and a touch of oak. A powerful and full-bodied flavor with a creamy note and a touch of honey, rounded out with a pleasant balance and mild acidity.
