Domaine De Chevalier

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Domaine De Chevalier is a Bordeaux wine estate that produces red wines: the vineyard covers 55 hectares for reds, primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. For white wines, Domaine de Chevalier has only 6 hectares of vineyards planted with Semillon and Sauvignon.

Domaine De Chevalier is a renowned estate, it is among the grands crus classés de Graves. Recognized as such because it is classified in both white and red in the elite of Graves and Pessac-Léognan crus, the appellation that carries them.

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The history of Domaine De Chevalier

  

In the 17th century, the estate was known as Domaine de Chivaley (knight in Gascon) and only had a few vines at the time. It was during the 19th century that the estate experienced its true expansion thanks to the Ricard family, who would reign over the domain for nearly 120 years. In 1865, Arnaud Ricard bought the estate and is today considered the founder of the vineyard. In 1900, his son-in-law Gabriel Beaumartin succeeded him and, over forty years, truly established the reputation of the estate's wines. Finally, Claude Ricard managed the property from 1948 to 1983, and thanks to him, the estate was included in the classification of Grands Crus Classés de Graves during the 1953 classification.

  

In 1983, the Bernard family group, specialized in the trade of spirits and Bordeaux grand crus, bought Domaine De Chevalier. Numerous investments were made both in the vineyard and in the cellars. Today, Olivier Bernard is at the head of the estate, accompanied by Antoine Roulier as cellar master.

  

What are the characteristics of Domaine De Chevalier wines

 

The total surface area of the vineyard is 61 hectares, including 55 in red and 6 in white. The grape variety composition for the red vineyard is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. For the white vineyard, it consists of 70% Sauvignon and 30% Semillon. The vineyard density is notably much higher than average at 10,000 vines per hectare (the appellation average is 6,500).

 

The aging process for red wine takes place entirely in barrels. For the grand vin, the aging period in barrels varies from 14 to 24 months, with a proportion of 40 to 60% new oak, depending on the power of the vintage. Transfers from one barrel to another (racking) are carried out using the "fin" method, where the wine is transferred directly from barrel to barrel by gravity. Bottling takes place in June. For white wine, the aging process takes place on lees, becoming increasingly fine until the end of the first summer. Then, the wine spends a second winter in barrels, during which it clarifies naturally. Thus, when bottling in spring, the wine only requires very light filtration.

 

Here's how Olivier Bernard, the estate owner, describes his wine himself: "The red wine of Chevalier possesses a natural structure that is based on finesse, elegance, but also on great complexity and a marked aptitude for aging that does not exclude, in its youth, a certain suppleness. Always balanced, never aggressive, power is not its priority"

 

Regarding white wines, he adds: "The type of vinification we conduct does not seek to put fruit forward at all costs. The quality of extraction, the duration of barrel aging, produce very complex wines, never heavy, with a beautiful freshness and a great aromatic persistence that, in the finish, opens up like a peacock's tail... We play with time, creating a great wine for aging"

  

What are the other wines of Domaine De Chevalier?

 

Since 1986, the estate has produced a second wine (in red and white) called "Esprit de Chevalier" made with the same expertise as the grand vin from younger vines. The aging differs from the grand vin: 12 months in 2-year-old barrels for the red.

 

The best vintages of Domaine De Chevalier

 

The best vintages in red are the following: Domaine de Chevalier 1953, 1955, 1959, 1962, 1975, 1985, as well as 2005 and 2009.

 

Regarding the whites, notable vintages include: Domaine de Chevalier blanc 1929, 1959, 1971, 1990, 2000, and 2001.

 

Food and wine pairings

 

The red Domaine De Chevalier pairs very well with leg of lamb, red meat, game, and hard cheeses.

 

The white Domaine De Chevalier will wonderfully accompany crustaceans and seafood, white meats, and raw milk cheeses.

 

Estate's website

 

www.domainedechevalier.com

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