Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux: The Essence of Nuits Saint Georges
In the heart of Nuits St Georges, Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux exemplifies the region’s rich winemaking tradition with a strong focus in the wines of the appellation and its respected old vines.
The Story Behind Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux
The origins of Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux reach back to 1887 when Eugène-François Chevillon began with a small vineyard inherited from his father, Symphorien Chevillon. This humble start marked the beginning of a long-standing family involvement in winemaking.
Eugène Chevillon and his sons, Georges and Maurice, expanded the estate, with a significant milestone achieved in 1947 when Georges acquired a parcel in the renowned 1er Cru Les Saint-Georges.
In 1963, Michel Chevillon, son of Georges, joined the estate. By 1988, Michel and his wife Pascale founded Domaine Michel Chevillon, which they managed until their retirement in 2011.
Their daughter Claire, after studying at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune, and her husband Philippe Chezeaux then established Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux in 2000.
Today, the domaine oversees 7.89 hectares of vines with a prominent emphasis on Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Old Vines:
The old vines in Nuits-Saint-Georges are a critical aspect of the domaine's approach. Sustainable vineyard management practices, including total soil tillage and minimal intervention, help maintain the health and vitality of these old vines, allowing them to express the true character of the terroir.
Traditional Winemaking:
At the domaine winemaking methods honor traditional practices while integrating modern techniques. Grapes are hand-harvested and completely destemmed, with minimal crushing to preserve their quality. A cold pre-fermentation phase of 6-7 days helps with color, tannin extraction and aroma development. Fermentation occurs in open vats, with Pigeage (pushing down the grape solids) and Remontage (pumping over the must) used to ensure balanced extraction and complexity.
Following fermentation, the wine undergoes pneumatic pressing and is aged in oak barrels for 12 to 16 months. For Villages and Premier Crus, up to 20% of new barrels are used to support the wine's structure while allowing the terroir to shine.
The final step in the process is bottling, done without fining or filtration to maintain the wine’s pure expression.
The Essence of Nuits-Saint-Georges:
Domaine Chevillon Chezeaux provides an authentic experience of Nuits-Saint-Georges, by showcasing the unique qualities of the region’s old vines through dedicated vineyard management and meticulous winemaking practices, each bottle from this estate offers a distinctive taste of Nuits St Georges soil and heritage.