Domaine de Chevalier 1997

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Domaine de Chevalier 1997

Food and wine pairing
This white wine pairs beautifully with dishes such as free-range chicken with cream and tarragon, veal blanquette, or turbot fillet served with a beurre blanc sauce. Over time, its evolved aromas will also complement poultry with mushrooms, fish in a nut crust, or dishes served with root vegetable purées.

Serving and cellaring
Renowned for their remarkable longevity, the estate's white wines have an outstanding ageing potential, allowing them to develop a fine aromatic complexity over the years.

The elegance and complexity of a white Pessac-Léognan wine

The estate
Located in Léognan, south of Bordeaux, Domaine de Chevalier boasts a long history, with the earliest traces of vine cultivation dating back to the mid-16th century. Acquired in 1983 by the Bernard family, this classified growth of Graves is now run by Olivier Bernard. A true "garden in the forest," the estate stands out for its deep environmental commitment, having historically excluded herbicides and fostered biodiversity. This iconic estate is renowned for its dual vocation, producing red and white wines of remarkable elegance and consistency.

The vineyard
The vineyard dedicated to white wines spans around 7 hectares within the Pessac-Léognan appellation. The vines thrive on gravel and sandy soils, benefiting from excellent natural drainage. Surrounded by a vast protective forest, this terroir enjoys a unique microclimate that preserves the freshness of the berries and encourages rich biodiversity. Vine management follows a nature-respectful approach, with soils that have always been worked mechanically and particular care given to maintaining the ecosystem's balance.

Winemaking and ageing
The grapes are harvested by hand through successive sorting passes into small crates to preserve the integrity of the bunches. At the winery, gentle, slow pressing in a pneumatic press extracts the highest quality juice. Vinification takes place plot by plot directly in barrels, with around 30% new oak. Ageing continues on fine lees, with regular stirring (bâtonnage), giving the wine texture and volume, before natural clarification and a very light filtration.

Grape varieties
Sauvignon Blanc (70%) and Sémillon (30%).