Domaine de Chevalier

Domaine de Chevalier, classified Grand Cru Classé de Graves, is one of the most important wine estates in Pessac-Leognan. It makes both a red and a white grand vin: the former is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend, and the latter a classic white Bordeaux Blend.

The estate has around 45 hectares (110 acres) under vine on gravel- and clay-rich soils, with most of that dedicated to the red grape varieties. While Cabernet makes up the bulk of plantings, there is also Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified in lots to ensure the best possible wine – Domaine de Chevalier has a reputation for making good wines even in average vintages.

Domaine de Chevalier is notable for having kept its 'domaine' title, which is more at home in Burgundy than it is in Bordeaux. Chevalier comes from the Gascon word for knight, an homage to a trail on the property believed to have been used by knights in the 12th to 14th centuries. In 1983, the domaine came under its current ownership when it was bought by the Bernard family, who renovated the winery and expanded the vineyard.

Production of the top wines totals about 120,000 bottles annually. There is also a second wine, Esprit de Chevalier, which is made from younger vines.