Domaine Raveneau

Domaine Raveneau is located in the wine region of Chablis in Burgundy. The estate is known and revered by many as the king of Chablis! Despite this, the domain seeks neither fame nor adoration but simply aims to preserve its close connection – and respect – for the terroir they are fortunate to work with on a daily basis.

 

The domain is housed behind a modest facade in the town of Chablis. They have exceptionally understood how to work in harmony with the gift that nature has bestowed through exceptional conditions: In the cool climate enveloping Chablis, the vines find their strength in the rich clay soil and chalky limestone of the famous Kimmeridgian layer, which was once part of the seabed in the Paris Basin.

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Wines are produced in all four Chablis classifications: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. The vines cover approximately eight hectares of land, including three Grand Cru vineyards (Blanchot, Les Clos, and Valmur) and six Premier Crus (Montée de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, Butteaux, Chapelot, Mont-Mains, and La Forêt).

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Domaine Raveneau was founded in 1948 by François Raveneau, making him the first to bottle the family's wines under his own name. François' father, Louis Raveneau, had previously owned several parcels in Chablis. François partially retired in 1988, and his two sons, Bernard and Jean-Marie, took over. They have remained true to their father's philosophy – both in the vineyards and the cellar: the Raveneau brothers are a dream team, proudly carrying the family torch forward. Yet, with a restraint, pragmatism, and humility more likely to be found among true farmers than the artists they are.

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The brothers have no fixed division of labor, so it's "all hands on deck," with each bringing their expertise to the creation of the great wines. Jean-Marie attended the Lycée Viticole in Beaune and has been with the estate since 1978. Bernard joined his brother in 1995 when father François retired (he passed away in 2000). Before that, Bernard had worked for a négociant for several years.

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The next generational shift is on the horizon: Bernard's daughter, Isabelle, and Jean-Marie's son, Maxime, are ready to take the helm after their fathers, ensuring to continue Raveneau's deeply ingrained conservative approach – from the vine to the glass.