Domaine de Chevalier

History of the domaine de Chevalier

The history of the domaine de Chevalier dates back to the mid-15th century, when the first traces of a wine-growing operation were recorded. However, it was from 1865 onwards, under the direction of Arnaud and Jean Ricard, that the estate truly began to forge a reputation in the Bordeaux landscape. After decades of hard work and expansion, the estate was classified among the Grands Crus de Graves in 1953.

In 1983, the destiny of the domaine de Chevalier took a decisive turn with its acquisition by the Bernard family. Olivier Bernard, then a young man of 23, took the reins of the estate. Under his direction, the estate underwent a complete restructuring, with a modernisation of the cellars and an increase in the vineyard surface area. The goal was clear: to perpetuate the heritage of the estate while raising the quality of the wines to the highest level of the appellation.

Today, the Bernard family continues to manage the estate with passion and dedication. In 2023, the estate obtained organic certification, after having extended biodynamic practices across all of its vineyards from 2021 onwards.

The 2019 vintage of Château domaine de Chevalier was rated 97/100 for its red wine and 96/100 for its white wine by Robert Parker, illustrating the quality and elegance of this grand cru of Pessac-Léognan.

Terroirs and Vines of the domaine de Chevalier

The domaine de Chevalier benefits from a unique terroir, located to the south of Bordeaux, in Léognan, at the heart of the Landes forest. This particular geographical situation gives the estate a natural isolation, where the forest plays a key role in regulating temperatures and protecting the vines from climatic extremes. The terroir, composed mainly of gravel and clay, is ideal for the cultivation of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

The vineyard extends over approximately 65 hectares, of which 58 hectares are dedicated to the production of red wines, with a dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), followed by Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). The remaining 7 hectares are devoted to white wines, where Sauvignon Blanc (70%) and Sémillon (30%) share the plots. This diversity of grape varieties, combined with a complex and well-drained soil, yields wines of great aromatic richness and exceptional finesse.

The estate is divided into 90 distinct plots, each benefiting from specific conditions in terms of exposure and soil composition. The vines, which have an average age of 30 years, are cultivated with total respect for the environment, in accordance with the principles of organic and biodynamic farming. This sustainable approach guarantees the preservation of the terroir and the production of grapes of optimal quality, year after year.

Vinifications of the domaine de Chevalier

Winemaking at the domaine de Chevalier is based on a unique expertise, combining tradition and modernity. For the white wines, the entire fermentation process takes place in French oak barrels, of which 30% are new. This choice is not driven by the pursuit of a woody expression, but rather by the desire to preserve the purity and complexity of the aromas of the Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature, and the wine is aged on fine lees for 12 months, with regular stirring to enrich the texture and structure of the wine.

Regarding the red wines, vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and large oak casks, allowing for a gentle and progressive extraction of the tannins. The blending of the red wines takes place early, from January onwards, to ensure a perfect fusion between the grape varieties. Ageing in French oak barrels lasts between 14 and 24 months, depending on the power of the vintage, with a proportion of new wood varying from 40 to 60%. The goal is always to preserve the elegance and finesse of the wine, while giving it a harmonious tannic structure and a remarkable ageing potential.

The cuvées of the domaine de Chevalier

The domaine de Chevalier produces three main cuvées, each embodying the excellence of the terroir and winemaking expertise.

The Fine Wine Rouge of the domaine de Chevalier - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

The fine wine rouge of the domaine de Chevalier is a prestigious wine, drawn from the finest plots of the vineyard. Produced primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, it stands out for its complex structure, silky tannins and impressive ageing potential. This wine is aged for between 18 and 24 months in barrels, of which 50% are new, giving it intense aromas of dark fruits, spices and a fine minerality. Each vintage reflects the richness and diversity of the terroir, with notes of graphite, cedar and great freshness.

The Fine Wine Blanc of the domaine de Chevalier - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

The Fine Wine blanc is one of the most renowned dry white wines of Bordeaux. Composed predominantly of Sauvignon Blanc, with a touch of Sémillon, it offers an exceptional aromatic palette, combining notes of exotic fruits, white flowers and minerals. On the palate, it is characterised by great vivacity, a fine tension and a long, persistent finish. This wine is ideal to enjoy young, but it also develops more complex aromas over time, thanks to 12 months of ageing in barrels.

L'Esprit de Chevalier Rouge et Blanc

L'Esprit de Chevalier is the second wine of the estate, born in 1989. It comes primarily from young vines and cuvées that do not quite have the structure required to enter into the composition of the fine wine. L'Esprit de Chevalier rouge is a charming wine, more accessible in its youth, with supple tannins and generous fruit. As for L'Esprit de Chevalier blanc, it stands out for its freshness, aromatic purity and balance. These wines offer an excellent value for money while reflecting the DNA of the domaine de Chevalier.

The Third Wine of the Estate

The estate also produces a third wine, drawn from younger plots or cuvées that do not meet the requirements of the first two cuvées. This wine is aged in barrels for approximately 10 months, with a more supple and approachable blend, perfect for more immediate consumption.

The vintages of Graves and Pessac-Léognan, two appellations of Bordeaux, stand out for their consistent quality. The years 1975, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990 are particularly appreciated for their finesse and balance. The vintages 1998, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are equally remarkable for their structure and ageing potential. More recently, the vintages 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 confirm the continuity of this excellence, with wines offering both elegance and longevity.

Explore all the Grands Crus Classés of Graves, an appellation renowned for the diversity and quality of its wines. At the top of the list, the Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855, Château Haut-Brion of Pessac-Léognan, is a historical reference. For red and white wines, estates such as Château Bouscaut, Château Carbonnieux, Château Malartic-Lagravière, Château Olivier, Château Latour-Martillac and the Domaine de Chevalier offer interesting cuvées. On the red side, you will discover the wines of Château Fieuzal, Château Haut-Bailly, Château Latour Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Pape-Clément and Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte. White wine lovers can turn to the productions of Château Couhins, Château Couhins Lurton and Château Laville Haut-Brion. These estates offer you a wide range of wines to discover at the heart of the Graves region.

The domaine de Chevalier embodies the excellence of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, with red and white wines of great finesse and elegance. Thanks to an exceptional terroir, precise winemaking and environmentally respectful management, the estate continues to produce remarkable wines, certified organic since 2023. Whether for the fine wine or the cuvées of L'Esprit de Chevalier, each bottle expresses the quintessence of the terroir and the passionate commitment of the Bernard family.

Discover also other estates and châteaux of Bordeaux such as the great White Bordeaux such as Yquem, the most illustrious of the Sauternes !