Chevalier

History of Domaine de Chevalier

The history of 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, 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 fate 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 vineyard areas. The objective was clear: to perpetuate the estate's heritage whilst 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 generalised biodynamic practices across all its vineyards from 2021.

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 Pessac-Léognan grand cru.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de Chevalier

Domaine de Chevalier benefits from a unique terroir, located south of Bordeaux, in Léognan, in 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 perfect for growing 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, allows for wines of great aromatic richness and exceptional finesse.

The estate is segmented into 90 distinct plots, each benefiting from specific conditions in terms of exposure and soil composition. The vines, which are on average 30 years old, are cultivated with total respect for the environment, in accordance with the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. This sustainable approach ensures the preservation of the terroir and the production of optimum quality grapes, year after year.

Vinifications at Domaine de Chevalier

Vinification at Domaine de Chevalier is based on unique expertise, combining tradition and modernity. For white wines, the entire fermentation process takes place in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. This choice is not motivated by the search for a woody expression, but rather by the desire to preserve the purity and complexity of the aromas of 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 red wines, vinification is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and wooden vats, allowing for a gentle and progressive extraction of tannins. The blending of red wines is done early, in January, 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 objective is always to preserve the elegance and finesse of the wine, whilst giving it a harmonious tannic structure and remarkable ageing potential.

The cuvées of Domaine de Chevalier

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

The Grand Vin Rouge of Domaine de Chevalier - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

The Grand Vin rouge of Domaine de Chevalier is a prestigious wine, produced from the best plots of the vineyard. Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, it is distinguished by its complex structure, silky tannins and impressive ageing potential. This wine is aged between 18 and 24 months in barrels, 50% of which are new, giving it intense aromas of black 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 Grand Vin Blanc of Domaine de Chevalier - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

The Grand Vin blanc is one of the most renowned dry white wines of 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, beautiful tension and a long, persistent finish. This wine is ideal to drink young, but it also develops more complex aromas over time, thanks to 12 months of barrel ageing.

L'Esprit de Chevalier Red and White

L'Esprit de Chevalier is the estate's second wine, born in 1989. It comes mainly from young vines and cuvées that do not quite have the structure necessary to enter the composition of the Grand Vin. 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 is distinguished by its freshness, aromatic purity and balance. These wines offer excellent value for money whilst reflecting the DNA of Domaine de Chevalier.

The Third Wine of the Estate

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

The vintages of Graves and Pessac-Léognan, two Bordeaux appellations, stand out for their consistent quality. The years 1975, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990 are particularly prized 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 this continuing excellence, with wines offering both elegance and longevity.

Explore all the Grands Crus Classés de Graves, an appellation renowned for the diversity and quality of its wines. At the top of the list, the First Growth of 1855, Château Haut-Brion of Pessac-Léognan, is a historical reference. For red andwhite wines, estates such as Château Bouscaut, Château Carbonnieux, Château Malartic-Lagravière, Château Olivier, Château Latour-Martillac and Domaine de Chevalier offer interesting cuvées. For reds, 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 enthusiasts 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 in 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 vinification and environmentally respectful management, the estate continues to produce remarkable wines, certified organic since 2023. Whether for the Grand Vin or the L'Esprit de Chevalier cuvées, each bottle expresses the quintessence of the terroir and the passionate commitment of the Bernard family.

Don't forget the other great estates and chateaux of Bordeaux such as our great Bordeaux White, with Yquem, the wolrd's most famous Sauternes !