A lush setting steeped in history
The Manoir de Mademoiselle grounds are a genuine natural sanctuary, a living testament to a remarkable era. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the site was already celebrated for its splendor and exotic flair. Elie Ferrand VIII, a prominent member of the family, turned the estate into a veritable Garden of Eden, mixing rare plants with exotic animals.
Among these botanical treasures stands a majestic Ginkgo biloba, nicknamed “the tree of a thousand crowns” for its golden fall foliage, that still towers over the park today. Orange, banana, and lemon trees mingled with native species, creating a landscape unlike anything else in the region.
But Elie VIII’s passion did not stop there. As early as 1890, he opened a miniature zoo, an unusual attraction in a region devoted to winegrowing. Gazelles, zebras, kangaroos, Patagonian hares, Maki-Mococo lemurs, and Moluccan monkeys found refuge here, making it the only zoological park in Charente at the time. This visionary even used his zebras to pull his carriage!
Today, although the exotic animals are gone, the park remains a haven for local wildlife. Our cameras often catch deer, foxes, wild boar, and rabbits roaming undisturbed. This rich biodiversity speaks to the natural equilibrium of this extraordinary place.
The return of Cognac’s heritage grape varieties
On a one-and-a-half-hectare plot that once held vines, we have chosen to replant three grape varieties dear to Cognac’s history: Ugni Blanc, of course, but also Colombard and Folle Blanche. The move reflects our commitment to the craftsmanship that built our region and to reviving grape varieties that have slipped from memory. We view this plot as a hands-on learning space, a modest way to keep our vineyard’s history alive and share it with others.
Colombard, a highly aromatic and floral grape, develops more sugar than Ugni Blanc. Its delicate aromas bring remarkable freshness and complexity to eaux-de-vie. When blended with Ugni Blanc, it produces fresh, floral, delicate cognacs, like our Ferrand Cognac Ambré, building on Elie VIII’s pioneering work with grape varieties.
Before phylloxera struck, Folle Blanche was Cognac’s dominant grape. Renowned for its finesse and elegance, it produces eaux-de-vie of great aromatic subtlety. Replanting it at the Manoir de Mademoiselle is a true homage to the ten generations of the Ferrand family who helped shape Cognac’s history.
Planted in 2022, the young vineyard is thriving in naturally fertile soil bordered by centuries-old trees.
Eco-friendly viticulture driven by innovative thinking
In line with our High Environmental Value (HVE) certification and the Cognac Environmental Certification (CEC), we cultivate this vineyard with the utmost respect for its ecosystem.
Our approach relies on alternative practices like PNPP (low-risk natural preparations) and SDN (natural defense substances), plant and algae-based solutions that bolster the vine’s own defenses.
We also boost biodiversity in tangible ways:
"We leave trees standing, even if they’re in the middle of a block; we simply mow between the vines instead of uprooting whole rows, and we use mating disruption instead of insecticides. We also encourage natural pest predators by installing bat boxes throughout our vineyards." - Corentin Negre, Vineyard Manager, Maison Ferrand
In the soil, we apply beneficial bacteria and fungi to naturally compete with downy mildew and foster vine growth. Every task, from mechanical weeding to stimulating soil life, is designed to protect the site’s natural balance. Pruned wood is shredded on-site with a tractor-mounted chipper, turned into mulch, and returned to the soil as natural organic matter. This circular approach enriches the earth and improves its quality, reflecting our philosophy of closing the loop by reusing natural resources as much as possible.
The recently restored Manoir de Mademoiselle will open to visitors in late 2025, offering an immersive experience into our world. Until then, come see us next September during the European Heritage Days (aka Journées du Patrimoine). For the event, the manor will host guests by reservation only, with guided tours that trace its history, tastings of our cognacs, and the opportunity to buy our spirits on-site. Stay tuned for more details!
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