La Chevalerie

History of Domaine de la Chevalerie

The history of Domaine de la Chevalerie dates back to 1640, when an ancestor named Pierre Caslot began cultivating vines on the named plot Chevalerie, in Restigné. The name of the estate is taken directly from this lieu-dit, which at the time referred to an inn or a relay for horses. Family archives attest to a continuous presence of the Caslot family in Bourgueil since the 17th century, making the estate one of the oldest wine properties in the region. Over thirteen generations, each has contributed to deepening the knowledge of the plots, mastering the terroirs and building the estate's growing reputation.

It is Pierre Caslot, a colourful and passionate character, who gave the estate its contemporary form and its national reputation. He developed the range of single-vineyard cuvées, built relationships with wine merchants and enthusiasts, and passed on to his children a clear philosophy: to place the plot at the centre, respect the terroir, and produce wines that are both profound and pleasurable. Pierre Caslot passed away in 2014. His daughter Stéphanie, who led the estate with energy and talent, tragically left us in 2021. Since 2022, Laurie and Emmanuel Caslot, brother and sister, have jointly managed the estate, continuing the biodynamic conversion that was already underway, and ensuring that each cuvée remains a faithful reflection of its terroir.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine de la Chevalerie

The vineyard of Domaine de la Chevalerie extends over 33 hectares, principally in the commune of Restigné, with one plot in Benais (Grand Mont), within a radius of less than 3 kilometres from the estate. Although contiguous, this vineyard presents a remarkable geological diversity. The soils range from alluvial sand (lighter, favouring fruity and immediately pleasurable wines in their youth, such as the Galichets) to clay and aeolian sands over Turonian yellow tuffeau (Busardières and Bretêche cuvées), through to clays richer in micaceous chalk particles (Chevalerie), up to the heavier argilo-calcareous terroirs of the plateau for the cuvées of very great ageing potential (Peu Muleau, Grand Mont). Tuffeau, the soft limestone rock characteristic of the Saumurois and the Bourgueillois, is the common thread running through all these terroirs.

The vines, with an average age of 30 to 70 years, include among the oldest plots the Busardières (35 years), while the Grand Mont and Peu Muleau plots are home to some of the oldest vines on the estate. The oldest rootstocks date from 1903 and 1922. The exposure is generally south-west on the hillsides of Restigné, with slight variation depending on the lieu-dit. The entire vineyard is farmed organically and is in biodynamic conversion, with treatments based on copper, sulphur and biodynamic preparations.

Winemaking at Domaine de la Chevalerie

Winemaking at Domaine de la Chevalerie is traditional and respectful of the fruit. Alcoholic fermentations take place in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless-steel tanks, with macerations of 22 to 28 days for the ageing cuvées, allowing for a gentle and harmonious extraction of tannins and aromas from the Cabernet franc. Ageing then takes place in concrete tanks, in old oak demi-muids for 6 to 10 months for the intermediate cuvées, and for longer periods in barrels or large oak casks for the prestige cuvées. A major distinguishing feature of the estate: the final refinement takes place in bottle in the kilometres of cellars carved into the tuffeau, naturally temperature-regulated at 12°C, prior to release. This cellar ageing gives the wines a remarkable silky texture and depth.

Pierre Caslot had developed a highly educational tasting protocol: the single-vineyard cuvées are presented in a precise order, from the lightest to the most structured, to illustrate the progression of the estate's terroirs. This didactic approach has remained a hallmark of the estate, which Laurie and Emmanuel continue with the same passion.

The cuvées of Domaine de la Chevalerie

Bourgueil Galichets: The first cuvée in the single-vineyard range, from vines planted on the lightest alluvial sandy soils of the estate, of which a sandy portion yields a more immediately pleasurable and accessible profile. This is the introductory cuvée, simple and straightforward, made for young drinking, focused on fruit. Nose of fresh small red fruits, supple and light palate with beautiful freshness, fine and integrated tannins. To be drunk within 3 to 5 years, with charcuterie or lighter meats. The texture is both fleshy and fresh, with a racy and saline acidity typical of tuffeau.

Bourgueil Chevalerie: The eponymous cuvée of the estate, from the named plot Chevalerie itself, on clay soils rich in micaceous chalk particles, surrounding the estate. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with maceration of 22 to 28 days, ageing in oak demi-muids for 6 to 10 months, then refinement in bottle in the tuffeau cellars. Nose of black fruit aromas (morello cherry, black cherry) with notes of pepper and chilli. A more balanced and complex palate than the Galichets, with a beautiful density and some years of ageing potential. The quintessential food wine of the estate.

Bourgueil Bretêche: A single-vineyard cuvée from the named plot Bretêche, situated to the east towards Ingrandes-de-Touraine, on soils of clay and aeolian sands above Turonian yellow tuffeau. A terroir close in nature to Busardières, but facing differently on the hillside. A red wine of fine structure and depth, with aromas of black fruits, spices and a well-present calcareous minerality. Ageing potential of 8 to 12 years. A cuvée regularly recognised by the specialist press, including the Revue du Vin de France with 90 points.

Bourgueil Busardières: A single-vineyard cuvée from the named plot Busardières, a 2-hectare parcel situated at elevation on the hillside, just below Peu Muleau, on soils of clay and aeolian sands above yellow tuffeau. The vines are approximately 35 years old. This is the only estate to lay claim to this lieu-dit. A red wine of great finesse and a characteristic cold austerity typical of high-altitude tuffeau terroirs, with a magnificent silky texture, aromas of black fruits and spices, and an ageing potential of several decades. The 1996 vintage, at 25 years of age, already displayed a very deep colour with no signs of evolution and perfectly integrated tannins.

Bourgueil Peu Muleau: A highly prestigious cuvée from the named plot Peu Muleau, situated at altitude on the hillside of Restigné, just above Busardières. The soils, more clayey and closer to the plateau, yield wines of exceptional concentration and structure. An absolute ageing cuvée, capable of spanning several decades under the right storage conditions. The Revue du Vin de France regularly awards it high scores and cites it among the great cuvées of the Loire. A rich and structured wine, not to be broached before a minimum of 10 to 15 years.

Bourgueil Grand Mont: A single-vineyard cuvée from the prestigious named plot Grand Mont in Benais, approximately 2.5 kilometres to the north-west of the estate. Grand Mont is one of the most highly regarded terroirs in the entire Bourgueil appellation, with rich argilo-calcareous soils on a full south-facing hillside. This is the flagship cuvée of the estate, receiving the greatest attention both in the vineyard and in the cellar. A red wine of incomparable depth and complexity, destined to last several decades. It is difficult to find its equal anywhere in the Loire.