Domaine de Chevalier

History of Domaine de Chevalier

The history of Domaine de Chevalier dates back to the mid-15th century, when the first records of a wine-growing estate were registered. However, it was from 1865, under the direction of Arnaud and Jean Ricard, that the estate truly began to forge its 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 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 area. The objective was clear: to perpetuate the heritage of the estate while elevating 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 generalised 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 from Pessac-Léognan.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de Chevalier

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.

Winemaking at Domaine de Chevalier

Winemaking at 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 motivated 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.

As for 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 of 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 ranging from 40 to 60%. The aim is always to preserve the elegance and finesse of the wine, while imparting a harmonious tannic structure and a remarkable ageing potential.

The cuvées of Domaine de Chevalier

Domaine de Chevalier produces three main cuvées, each embodying the excellence of the terroir and viticultural expertise.

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

The Fine Wine rouge of Domaine de Chevalier is a prestigious wine, sourced 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 beautiful minerality. Each vintage reflects the richness and diversity of the terroir, with notes of graphite, cedar and great freshness.

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

The Fine Wine blanc is one of the most renowned dry white wines in Bordeaux. Composed mainly 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 beautiful 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 barrel ageing.

L'Esprit de Chevalier Rouge and 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 necessary structure 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 fruitiness. 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 Domaine de Chevalier.

The Third Wine of the Estate

The estate also produces a third wine, sourced 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 also remarkable for their structure and ageing potential. More recently, the vintages 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 confirm the continuation 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 historic reference. For red and white wines, estates such as Château Bouscaut, Château Carbonnieux, Château Malartic-Lagravière, Château Olivier, Château Latour-Martillac and Domaine de Chevalier offer interesting cuvées. On the red wine side, you can 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.

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 an environmentally respectful approach, the estate continues to produce remarkable wines, certified organic since 2023. Whether it is 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 other Bordeaux estates and châteaux, such as the great White Bordeaux wines, including Yquem, the most illustrious of the Sauternes wines!