Domaine Francois Raveneau
Renowned for exceptional Chablis wines
Raveneau is widely regarded as the finest wine producer in Chablis. The domain was established by François Raveneau in 1948 and its reputation was forged by François’ sons, Bernard and Jean-Marie. The domain is currently run by cousins Isabelle (daughter of Bernard), who manages the cellar, and Maxime (son of Jean-Marie), who manages the vineyards. Unusually for Chabis producers, Raveneau ferments its wines in stainless steel tanks, only transferring wines to barrel after fermentation. This tends to produce wines thar are austere in youth, but which unfurl beautifully when appropriately aged.
The domain comprises eight hectares of land spread across three Grand Cru (Blanchot, Les Clos and Valmur) and six Premier Cru sites (Montée de Tonnerres, les Vaillons, Butteaux and Chapelot). In 2007 the domain started producing a Village Chablis from vines at the base of Montée de Tonnerre. From 2014 a Petit Chablis from vines on the plateau above Les Clos was added. The jewel in the crown of Domaine Raveneau is undoubtedly its Montée de Tonnerres, representing the largest vineyard holding of the domain). This is an intensely sapid, mineral wine than can remain crystalline and fresh for 10, even 20 years.
