Domaine de Chevalier

Identity

Domaine de Chevalier, a Cru Classé de Graves, is situated in the commune of Léognan in Gironde. It is managed by Anne and Olivier Bernard.

History and philosophy

The history of Domaine de Chevalier dates back to the early 16th century, when it was known as “Chivaley”, meaning knight (Chevalier) in Gascon. Records of winegrowing activity by the Lalanne family date as far back as the mid-15th century. The estate was acquired by the Ricard family in 1865, and Claude Ricard inherited it in 1948. In 1953, it was included in the Grands Crus Classés de Graves classification.

In 1983, the estate was purchased by the Bernard family. Since 2010, Domaine de Chevalier has pursued an environmental approach, culminating in full conversion to organic and biodynamic principles across the entire vineyard since 2021. A positive-energy winery was brought into service in 2012, fitted with a solar photovoltaic system. The estate also manages several other winegrowing properties, including Domaine de la Solitude (since 1993), Château Guiraud (since 2006), Château Lespault-Martillac (since 2009), Clos des Lunes (founded in 2011), Château Suau (since 2015), Château Soubian (since 2019), and Château Poumey (since 2020).

Appellations

The wines of Domaine de Chevalier are produced under the Pessac-Léognan Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée.

Flagship wines

Domaine de Chevalier produces highly acclaimed red and white wines. The red wine is made from a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The white wine is crafted predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. These wines are renowned for their aromatic complexity and remarkable ageing potential.

The estate also offers a second wine, created in 1989, named L'Esprit de Chevalier, available in both red and white.

Practical information

Domaine de Chevalier is located at 102 chemin de Mignoy, 33850 Léognan. The estate is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Visits and tastings are by appointment only. Direct cellar-door sales are available.

Telephone: +33 (0)5 56 64 16 16

Email: olivierbernard@domainedechevalier.com

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Domaine de Chevalier spans 70 hectares within an estate of approximately 100 hectares, entirely in a single continuous parcel and sheltered by an expansive forest that creates a distinctive microclimate and supports rich biodiversity. The soils are gravelly and complex, resting on a clay-gravel subsoil.

Red grape varieties cover 60 hectares and are planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The white vineyard covers 7 hectares and consists of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. The average age of the vines is 35 years, with a planting density of around 10,000 vines per hectare. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

The estate employs environmentally friendly viticultural practices, including the use of herbal teas and decoctions (horsetail, nettle, willow), fostering natural plant defences and ecological resilience, as well as cover cropping between rows. Frost-protection wind towers have been progressively installed since 1982 to protect the vines. A beekeeper is also based on the property.

Vinification and ageing

The red wines of Domaine de Chevalier are aged for 18 months, with 35% new oak barrels used during this period.