Video « Cheval de trait - Domaine de Chevalier »

“The entire estate covers a hundred hectares, 45 of which are under vine: 40 of these are devoted to producing red wine and 5 to white wine. You may wonder why there are only 5 hectares of white wine grapes.

 

Video « Cheval de trait - le décavaillonnage au Domaine de Chevalier »

“With regard to vineyard density, our terroir is best suited to 10,000 vines per hectare, like most of the finest estates in Bordeaux (the appellation average is 6,500 vines). This high density creates competition between vines resulting in low yields of grapes with thick skins and a high concentration of colour, aromas, and tannin. It also reduces the time it takes for full, even ripening, and gives the wine the complexity necessary to age well for many years.”

Video « Cheval de trait - le griffage au Domaine de Chevalier »

Grape varieties and terroir

“Concerning” the grape varieties at Domaine de Chevalier, the gravelly terroir’s tremendous winegrowing potential enables us to take maximum advantage of the two most premium grape varieties in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon for red wine and Sauvignon Blanc for white wine. The full breakdown is as follows: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot for the red wines and 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon for the white wines.”

A very diversified approach

“Each plot of vines, indeed, each individual vine is different, and is therefore treated differently. There are no hard and fast rules… First and foremost, we observe what is going on in the vineyard closely every day. Each plot receives nutrients and treatments in keeping with its specific needs …
Our approach is deeply ecological…Oliver Bernard