Domaine du Cheval Blanc

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Domaine du Cheval Blanc is a family-owned winegrowing estate in Saint-Germain-de-Grave (Gironde), held by the Chaussié family since the 18th century. Cultivating 18 ha using sustainable viticultural methods, it produces AOC Bordeaux and Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux wines, as well as Crémants.

Domaine du Cheval Blanc
© Domaine du Cheval Blanc

Identity

Domaine du Cheval Blanc is a family-owned winegrowing estate situated in the commune of Saint-Germain-de-Grave, in Gironde. The estate is managed by Denis Chaussié, representing a generation of dedicated winemakers within the family.

History and philosophy

The Chaussié family has owned Domaine du Cheval Blanc since the 18th century, carrying on a winegrowing heritage that spans ten generations. The estate's origins date back to the 12th century. Committed to sustainable viticulture (viticulture raisonnée), the property achieved AREA (Agriculture Respectueuse de l’Environnement en Aquitaine) certification in 2016. The estate has also been a member of the Bienvenue à la Ferme network since 2004, with Denis Chaussié serving as its president since 2013.

The appellations

Domaine du Cheval Blanc produces wines under several appellations, including A.O.C. Bordeaux, A.O.C. Cadillac, and Premières Côtes de Bordeaux. The flagship appellation associated with the estate is Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux.

Practical information

Domaine du Cheval Blanc is located at Lieu-dit Cheval Blanc, 87 Route de Graoux, 33490 Saint-Germain-de-Grave. The estate is open daily from 08:00 to 19:00, though visitors are advised to contact the property at least one hour before arriving. Tours and tastings are complimentary for groups of up to 9 people; for groups of 10 to 60 people, pricing is available on quotation. The property is coach-accessible and offers a dedicated motorhome reception area equipped with water, electricity, showers, and sanitary facilities for up to three vehicles. Country-style meals can be organised on request for groups of 30 to 60 people between May and September. The estate also hosts an annual Open House on the first weekend of June. Wine shipping is available across France and internationally. Spoken languages are French and English. Telephone: +33 (0)5 56 23 94 76.

Find out more

Official estate website

Frequently asked questions

Where is Domaine du Cheval Blanc located?
Domaine du Cheval Blanc is situated in the commune of Saint-Germain-de-Grave, in Gironde. The full address is Lieu-dit Cheval Blanc, 87 Route de Graoux, 33490 Saint-Germain-de-Grave.
Which appellations are produced by Domaine du Cheval Blanc?
Domaine du Cheval Blanc produces wines under the A.O.C. Bordeaux, A.O.C. Cadillac, and Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellations. The estate's primary appellation for red wines is Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux. A Crémant de Bordeaux is also crafted at the property.
What is the vineyard surface area and which grape varieties are cultivated?
The Domaine du Cheval Blanc vineyard covers 18 hectares. For red wines, the planted grape varieties are Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. For white wines, the estate cultivates Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Colombard.
Does Domaine du Cheval Blanc offer tours and tastings?
Yes, the estate offers cellar visits and tastings. They are free of charge for groups of up to 9 people. For groups of 10 to 60 people, pricing is available upon request. Visitors are recommended to contact the estate at least one hour prior to arrival. Motorhomes are also welcomed with dedicated facilities.

The vineyard (terroir)

The Domaine du Cheval Blanc vineyard covers an area of 18 hectares across the commune of Saint-Germain-de-Grave. The soils are characterised by silty-gravel and clay-gravel compositions. The grape varieties for the red wines comprise Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. For the white wines, the vineyard grows Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Colombard.

Key cuvées

The estate offers a diverse range of wines. For the reds, the cuvée « Cadillac - Côtes de Bordeaux Rouge « Cuvée Prestige » » is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, aged in oak barrels. A « Bordeaux Rouge » cuvée is also crafted from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in vats. Among the dry whites, « Bordeaux Blanc Sec » is a blend of Sauvignon and Muscadelle, whilst « Bordeaux Blanc Sec « Cuvée barrique » » is a 100% Sémillon, barrel-fermented and aged on fine lees for 8 to 12 months. The estate also crafts a « Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Blanc Moelleux « Sélection Vieilles Vignes » » and a « Cadillac Liquoreux « Cuvée d’Exception » », both made from Sémillon. The « Bordeaux Rosé « Perle de Rosé » » is a direct-press rosé produced from Merlot and both Cabernets. Finally, a « Crémant de Bordeaux - Brut », blending Sémillon and Colombard, alongside an alcohol-free sparkling grape juice « Jus de raisin à bulles » made from Sémillon and Colombard, complete the collection.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification techniques vary according to the cuvée. The Crémant de Bordeaux is made from hand-harvested grapes, undergoing an initial fermentation in vat followed by a second fermentation in the bottle, with a prise de mousse ageing period of one year. The cuvée « Bordeaux Blanc Sec « Cuvée barrique » » undergoes barrel fermentation and lees ageing for 8 to 12 months. The « Cadillac - Côtes de Bordeaux Rouge « Cuvée Prestige » » is aged in oak barrels. The « Bordeaux Rouge » cuvée is aged in vats. The « Bordeaux Rosé « Perle de Rosé » » is produced via direct pressing and rested on lees before bottling. The sweet dessert wines, such as « Premières côtes de Bordeaux Blanc Moelleux « Sélection Vieilles Vignes » », are hand-harvested in two successive selective pickings (tris) after the development of noble rot.

Commune
Saint-Germain-de-Grave
Wine region
Entre-deux-Mers
Owner
Famille Chaussié
Technical direction
Denis Chaussié
Surface area
18 ha
Grape varieties
Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Colombard

Practical information

Address
87 Route de Graoux, Lieu-dit Cheval Blanc, 33490 Saint-Germain-de-Grave
Contact form
Contact the estate
Opening hours
Tous les jours de 8h00 à 19h00 (parfois plus tard en été)

Location

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