Robert Chevillon, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Robert Chevillon is a family-owned estate in Nuits-Saint-Georges managed by brothers Denis and Bertrand Chevillon, cultivating 13 hectares across eight premier cru vineyards with 40-80 year old vines in the appellation's characteristic limestone and clay soils. Their traditional approach includes manual plowing, native yeast fermentations in open-top wooden vats, and 18-20 month aging in French oak barrels, resulting in terroir-specific expressions of Pinot Noir that honor Burgundian winemaking heritage.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Robert Chevillon traces its origins to the early 20th century in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy. The estate has remained in family hands throughout its history, with Robert Chevillon taking control in the mid-20th century and establishing the domaine's reputation for quality Nuits-Saint-Georges wines. Today, the domaine is managed by Robert's sons, Denis and Bertrand Chevillon, who assumed leadership in the 1990s. The brothers work as a team, with responsibilities divided between vineyard management and cellar operations, maintaining continuity in the family's winemaking approach.
The domaine's headquarters and cellars are situated in the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges, serving as both production facility and the family's home. Under the current generation's guidance, the domaine has maintained its focus on expressing the distinctive terroirs of Nuits-Saint-Georges while preserving traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. The transition from father to sons represented a natural evolution rather than a dramatic shift in direction, with the brothers building upon the foundation established by Robert.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Robert Chevillon encompasses approximately 13 hectares of vineyards, primarily located within the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation. The estate holds parcels in eight premier cru vineyards in Nuits-Saint-Georges: Les Saint-Georges, Les Vaucrains, Les Pruliers, Les Perrières, Les Roncières, Les Chaignots, Les Bousselots, and Les Cailles. This diverse collection of sites provides the domaine with a comprehensive representation of the appellation's varied terroirs.
The vineyards feature the limestone and clay soils typical of the Côte de Nuits, with variations in the proportion of clay, limestone, and gravel contributing to the distinctive character of each site. The domaine's vines average 40-50 years in age, with some parcels containing vines over 80 years old. Pinot Noir dominates the plantings, though the domaine also produces a small amount of Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc from Chardonnay.
The wines are bottled as individual vineyard designations, allowing each terroir to express its unique characteristics. The domaine also produces a Nuits-Saint-Georges village wine and a Bourgogne Rouge from younger vines and declassified fruit. Annual production varies with vintage conditions but typically ranges between 3,000 and 4,000 cases.
Philosophy & Practice
The Chevillon approach to viticulture emphasizes meticulous vineyard work with traditional methods. Plowing is practiced rather than herbicide use, and yields are controlled through careful pruning and green harvesting when necessary. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters production.
In the cellar, the domaine follows traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in open-top wooden vats, with gentle extraction achieved through daily punch-downs during the early stages of fermentation. The wines typically undergo a 15-20 day maceration period, adjusted according to the characteristics of each vintage.
Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with 25-30% new oak used for most cuvées. The premier crus generally spend 18-20 months in barrel before bottling without fining or filtration. This extended aging period allows the wines to develop complexity while preserving the distinct character of each vineyard site.
The Chevillons maintain a consistent approach across their range, focusing on transparency of terroir rather than winemaker intervention. This philosophy results in wines that reflect both vintage conditions and the specific characteristics of their vineyard origins, continuing the family tradition of producing authentic expressions of Nuits-Saint-Georges.