Bernard Defaix
Summary
Domaine Bernard Defaix is a three-generation family estate in Chablis spanning 27 hectares, including four premier cru sites with Kimmeridgian limestone soils, producing primarily Chardonnay-based wines that express the region's characteristic minerality. Their commitment to organic viticulture since 2009 combines with a balanced approach to winemaking—utilizing indigenous yeasts, extended lees aging, and selective oak treatment—to create terroir-transparent wines that exemplify the pure, classic character of Chablis.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Bernard Defaix was established in the 1950s when Bernard Defaix began cultivating vineyards in the Chablis region of Burgundy. The domaine started with just 2 hectares in Chablis and has grown steadily over the decades. Bernard's sons, Sylvain and Didier Defaix, joined the family business in the 1990s and now manage the estate's operations. Sylvain oversees the vineyard management while Didier focuses on winemaking and cellar operations. The third generation has also become involved, with Sylvain's wife Hélène managing the commercial aspects of the business, and their children beginning to take roles in the family enterprise. This generational transition has maintained family ownership while bringing new perspectives to the domaine's development.
The estate experienced significant expansion in the 1990s, adding premier cru vineyards to their holdings. A pivotal development occurred in 2009 when the family acquired vineyards in the Côte d'Or, specifically in Rully, extending their portfolio beyond the Chablis region. Throughout its history, Domaine Bernard Defaix has maintained a commitment to quality viticulture while adapting to changing market conditions and environmental considerations.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Bernard Defaix currently manages 27 hectares of vineyards, with 25 hectares in Chablis and 2 hectares in the Côte d'Or. In Chablis, their holdings include parcels in four premier cru sites: Côte de Léchet, Vaillons, Lys, and Mont de Milieu. The vineyards sit on the region's characteristic Kimmeridgian limestone soils, composed of fossilized oyster shells and marine sediments that date back to the Jurassic period, providing the distinctive minerality associated with Chablis wines.
The domaine's Chablis vineyards are planted exclusively with Chardonnay, while their Côte d'Or holdings in Rully include both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The vines range in age from 15 to over 50 years old, with the oldest parcels reserved for their premier cru bottlings. The vineyards are situated at elevations between 150-200 meters above sea level, with varied exposures that contribute to the complexity of their wines.
The wine portfolio includes Petit Chablis, Chablis, the four Chablis Premier Cru bottlings, and their Côte d'Or offerings from Rully in both white and red. Production volumes vary by vintage, with approximately 150,000 bottles produced annually across all appellations.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Bernard Defaix has been certified organic since 2009 by Ecocert, following a three-year conversion period that began in 2006. This commitment extends across all their vineyard holdings. Their viticulture practices include plowing between rows to control weeds, using organic composts for fertilization, and implementing natural cover crops to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
In the winery, the Defaix family employs a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for most cuvées, preserving the freshness and mineral character of their Chablis. For select premier cru wines and their Côte d'Or bottlings, a portion of the wine is aged in French oak barrels (10-20% new oak) to add complexity without overwhelming the terroir expression.
The domaine practices hand harvesting for their premier cru vineyards, with gentle pneumatic pressing followed by natural settling of the must. Fermentations utilize indigenous yeasts when possible, and malolactic fermentation is allowed to occur naturally. Aging periods vary by wine, with their Chablis typically spending 10-12 months on fine lees before bottling, while premier crus may see 12-18 months of aging.
Water conservation measures have been implemented throughout the estate, including a rainwater collection system for vineyard treatments. Solar panels installed on the winery roof provide a portion of the domaine's energy needs, reflecting their commitment to reducing environmental impact beyond organic certification requirements.