Roland Lavantureux
Summary
Domaine Roland Lavantureux is a 21-hectare family estate in Lignorelles, northern Chablis, where second-generation brothers Arnaud and David craft mineral-driven Chardonnay wines from classic Kimmeridgian limestone soils. Their balanced approach combines traditional methods with selective modern techniques, maintaining a focused portfolio of four principal wines while quietly building recognition through patient, quality-driven evolution rather than chasing trends.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Roland Lavantureux was established in 1979 in the village of Lignorelles, located in the northern reaches of the Chablis region. Founder Roland Lavantureux began with modest holdings, focusing exclusively on the production of Chablis. In the early 2000s, Roland's sons Arnaud and David gradually joined the family business, with Arnaud taking primary winemaking responsibilities and David focusing on vineyard management. By 2010, the brothers had assumed full operational control of the domaine, though Roland remained involved in an advisory capacity. Under the brothers' direction, the estate has expanded its vineyard holdings beyond the original Chablis AOC parcels to include premier cru sites, notably in Fourchaume and Vau de Vey. The domaine maintains its headquarters in Lignorelles, where the winemaking facilities have been progressively modernized while preserving traditional Chablisien production methods.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Lavantureux's vineyards span approximately 21 hectares across the Chablis appellation. The majority of their holdings are planted in Chablis AOC, with select parcels in the premier cru vineyards of Fourchaume and Vau de Vey. All vineyards are planted exclusively to Chardonnay, as dictated by appellation regulations. The domaine's vineyards rest on the region's distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone soils, composed of fossilized oyster shells and marine sediments that date back to the Jurassic period. These soils contribute the characteristic minerality and tension found in their wines. The Lavantureux vineyards are primarily situated on slopes with southeastern and southwestern exposures, providing optimal sun exposure while maintaining the cool climate influence essential to Chablis' distinctive profile. The domaine produces four main cuvées: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume, and Chablis Premier Cru Vau de Vey, each reflecting their specific terroir within the broader Chablis landscape.
Philosophy & Practice
The Lavantureux family adheres to traditional Chablis winemaking methods while incorporating modern techniques where beneficial. Harvest is conducted by hand for the premier cru vineyards, with machine harvesting utilized for some Chablis AOC parcels. In the winery, the brothers employ pneumatic pressing followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and varietal character. For their Chablis AOC, fermentation and aging occur entirely in stainless steel, while the premier cru wines see partial aging in neutral French oak barrels (typically 3-5 years old) to enhance textural complexity without imparting overt oak flavors. Malolactic fermentation proceeds naturally, and the wines remain on their fine lees with regular stirring (bâtonnage) to develop richness and complexity. The Lavantureux approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard's terroir to express itself clearly in the finished wines. The domaine practices sustainable viticulture, focusing on soil health and biodiversity in the vineyards, though they do not hold formal organic certification.