Domaine de Chevalier

It is a 65-hectare estate under vine that focuses on precise, sustainable farming and a classic cellar approach to express its gravelly soils. Plantings center on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the red Grand Vin, and Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for the dry white.

The team follows a philosophy that “90% of the choices are in the vineyard,” with practices moving increasingly toward biodynamics to protect biodiversity and soil health.

In the winery, traditional methods preserve site character; the red typically matures 18–22 months in French oak, building balance, depth, and finesse.

Alongside the flagship wines, L’Esprit de Chevalier serves as a second label, sourced from younger vines or lots not selected for the Grand Vin, offering an accessible glimpse of the house style.

Domaine de Chevalier is cherished among wine lovers for its blend of tradition and innovation, consistently delivering wines that reflect authentic terroir and elegance.

• Rich yet elegant red wines — expertly balance deep flavors with a refined touch, appealing to those seeking sophistication.
• Renowned dry white wines — considered some of Bordeaux's best, known for their complexity and aging potential.
• Commitment to quality — the Bernard family’s focus on vineyard and cellar excellence ensures superior wine production.
• Innovative yet traditional techniques — practices like green harvesting and biodynamic farming enhance biodiversity and soil health.
• Family leadership — Olivier Bernard’s stewardship has maintained continuity and improved quality over decades.

This combination of factors makes Domaine de Chevalier a standout in the wine community.

• What type of wines does Domaine de Chevalier produce?

  Domaine de Chevalier makes a red Grand Vin and a dry white Grand Vin; reds are Cabernet Sauvignon- and Merlot-led, whites are Sauvignon Blanc- and Sémillon-based.

• How is L’Esprit de Chevalier different from the Grand Vin?

  L’Esprit de Chevalier is the estate's second wine, made from younger vines or lots not selected for the Grand Vin. It offers a more approachable style that is ready to drink sooner.

• Who manages Domaine de Chevalier?

  Owned and managed by the Bernard family since 1983; Olivier Bernard leads the estate alongside his sons.

• Where is Domaine de Chevalier located?

  Léognan, in Pessac-Léognan (Graves, Bordeaux).

• What is the estate’s classification?

  Grand Cru Classé de Graves since the 1959 classification.

• How large is the estate and what is planted?

  The property spans about 120 hectares, with roughly 65 hectares under vine. The reds focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; the whites on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

• How much wine is produced each year?

  Approximately 6,500 cases of red Grand Vin and 1,000 cases of white Grand Vin annually, varying by vintage.

• What are the farming practices?

  Sustainable viticulture with an increasing move toward biodynamics to protect biodiversity and soil health.

• What is the winemaking and aging approach?

  Traditional methods that preserve terroir expression; the red typically ages 18–22 months in French oak to build balance, depth, and finesse.

• Do they use technical corks?

  Yes. The estate employs Diam technical corks for consistency and cork-taint prevention.

• What is the estate’s history and the origin of its name?

  Documented since the late 17th century (circa 1680); it gained prominence after Arnaud Ricard’s acquisition in 1865. The Bernard family has run the estate since 1983. The name derives from the Gascon “Chivaley,” meaning “knight.”

• What is the aging potential of the wines?

  The red wines can age 20–30 years or longer. The dry whites are renowned for exceptional longevity, often improving over several decades.