In the glass
Aroma: blackcurrant, crushed limestone, fresh tobacco, graphite
Palate: cassis, chalk, iron mineral, long savoury finish
The estate's flagship cuvee, drawn from the oldest tuffeau-limestone parcels around the historic cellars. Demeter biodynamic Cabernet Franc with long ageing potential.
What it pairs with
-
Roast venison with juniper berries
Game and the wine's iron-and-graphite spine align. -
Beef Wellington
Fillet of beef in pastry meets the wine's cedar and chalk register. -
Mature Comte 30 months
Crystalline nutty cheese sharpens the wine's mineral length. -
Black truffle and mushroom risotto
Truffle and the wine's iron and forest-floor depth are mutually flattering.
History
Chevalerie cuvee carries the estate name and is sourced from the oldest tuffeau-limestone parcels. The Caslot family has farmed Domaine de la Chevalerie since 1640.
- 1640 — Caslot family establishes the estate
- 1970 — Chevalerie cuvee first bottled as estate flagship
- 2007 — Demeter biodynamic certification
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de la Chevalerie
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (100%)
- Classification
- Bourgueil AOC
- Oak
- 18 to 24 months in old oak foudres, no new oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 26 to 40 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10 to 30 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1970
- Biodynamic
- Demeter Certified
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Advocate 92 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2020)
- Vinous 92 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Chevalerie
What does Chevalerie cuvee taste like?
Blackcurrant, crushed limestone, fresh tobacco and graphite on the nose; cassis, chalk, iron mineral and a long savoury finish on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.
When should I drink Chevalerie cuvee?
Drink between 10 and 30 years from vintage. Decant 90 minutes to two hours for young vintages; mature bottles need careful handling for sediment.
What food pairs with Chevalerie cuvee?
Roast venison with juniper berries, beef Wellington, mature Comte 30 months, and black truffle and mushroom risotto are all canonical matches.
How long is Chevalerie cuvee aged?
18 to 24 months in old oak foudres with no new oak, then extended bottle ageing before release.