Chevalier, Domaine de
Summary
Domaine de Chevalier is a Cru Classé estate in Pessac-Léognan spanning 45 hectares, where the Bernard family produces primarily Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds and Sauvignon Blanc-dominated whites from black sand and fine white gravel soils in a forest-protected microclimate. Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes balance over power through sustainable viticulture, parcel-by-parcel vinification, and traditional barrel aging techniques that have consistently expressed their Léognan terroir since 1865.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine de Chevalier traces its origins to 1865 when it was established by Arnaud and Jean Ricard. The estate, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, has been owned by the Bernard family since 1983 when Olivier Bernard took over management at just 23 years of age. The property was recognized in the 1959 Graves Classification, earning its status as a Cru Classé for both its red and white wines.
Under Olivier Bernard's leadership, the estate has undergone significant modernization while maintaining its traditional character. Bernard works alongside technical director Rémi Edange, who joined the team in 1983, and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, who has contributed to the estate's winemaking approach since 2011. The Bernard family's four decades of stewardship has been marked by consistent quality improvements and a commitment to expressing the unique terroir of their Léognan property.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine de Chevalier encompasses 45 hectares of vineyards, with 40 hectares dedicated to red varieties and 5 hectares to white. The vineyards sit on a high ridge at approximately 60 meters above sea level in the commune of Léognan. The soil composition features a distinctive mix of black sand and fine white gravel over a clay and limestone subsoil, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity.
The red vineyard is planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The white vineyard consists of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. The average vine age is 30 years, with some parcels exceeding 50 years. The estate produces approximately 100,000 bottles annually of its grand vin, with additional production of a second wine, L'Esprit de Chevalier, introduced in 1986.
The vineyards are surrounded by 80 hectares of forest, creating a microclimate that moderates temperature extremes and provides natural protection against frost. This unique setting, often referred to as a "secret garden in the forest," contributes to the distinctive character of the wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine de Chevalier employs a meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking. Vineyard management includes green harvesting to control yields, typically maintaining 40 hectoliters per hectare for red wines and 35 hectoliters per hectare for whites. Harvesting is conducted by hand with multiple passes through the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness.
For red wine production, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, with maceration lasting 3-4 weeks. The wines age for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 35-40% new oak. White wines are whole-bunch pressed and fermented in barrel, followed by aging on lees for 18 months with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring).
The estate practices sustainable viticulture with mechanical soil cultivation rather than herbicides, and employs organic treatments whenever possible. Precision viticulture is a cornerstone of their approach, with vineyard parcels vinified separately to preserve their individual characteristics before final blending. This attention to detail extends to the cellar, where gravity flow minimizes mechanical intervention. The Bernard family's philosophy centers on balance and finesse rather than power, with a focus on producing wines that express the distinctive terroir of Domaine de Chevalier while maintaining aging potential.