Created by Jean Ricard in 1865, the Domaine de Chevalier covers 67 hectares in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan forest, including 7 hectares of white grapes, on the west of the appellation. Producing exceptional wines in both red and white, the estate was crowned Grand Cru Classé de Graves in 1953. Acquired and managed by Olivier Bernard in 1983, the Domaine de Chevalier extended its fame to the whole world.
Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages thanks to its unique terroir and a draconian selection in the vineyard and the cellar. In fact, this philosophy at times requires vineyard workers to carry out five waves of picking in order to pick only the ripest possible grapes.
Furthermore, as of 1986, the planting of young vines led to the creation of both a red and white second wine called Esprit de Chevalier. This includes vats that do not have quite the structure and focus of the grand vin as well as wine made from young vines.
For the dry white, selecting the barrels one by one makes it possible to produce a second wine that is rich, lively and complex, with very pure and specific aromas, which can be enjoyed in its youth. L’Esprit de Chevalier blanc has a fruity and lively character, which is also more open and thus easier to appreciate in its youth.
