Raveneau, reigning supreme in Chablis, has long claimed its prestigious throne in the world of white wine. Neal Martin's words ring true: “There can be no denying the quality inside every waxed bottle of Raveneau, the care and complexity within.” This family-operated domaine adheres steadfastly to the time-honored traditions, serving as shepherds of Chablis's most illustrious terroirs. The heart of Raveneau's enchantment lies within its meticulously tended vineyards. Here, all 23 acres are strictly hand-harvested, distinguishing them as one of five producers within the region committed to this artisanal touch. This time-honored estate represents the epitome of traditional Chablis, and given the scarcity of its wines, seizing the opportunity to secure a cherished bottle for your cellar is a must.
The Birth of Domaine Raveneau
The domaine was founded shortly after the tumult of World War II by Francois Raveneau, the estate's namesake. Francois along with his wife, who hails from the esteemed Dauvissat family, established this domaine from her inherited vineyard holdings. Following a mass exodus in Chablis during a period of regional transformation in the 1970s and 1980s, key parcels throughout the region came under Raveneau's ownership, birthing the legend of Domaine Raveneau.
For four decades, beginning in 1948, Francois Raveneau led the charge. In the twilight of his tenure, in 1988, he judiciously passed the torch to his sons, Jean-Marie and Bernard, who subsequently garnered a reputation as the "Raveneau brothers." Jean-Marie, a graduate of the viticulture school in Beaune, joined his father in 1978, while Bernard honed his skills at a negociant before uniting with the domaine in 1995. By 2021, both brothers had retired, entrusting the legacy to the third generation, Isabelle and Maxime. The cousins continue the time-honored tradition of crafting wines just as their forebears before them.
Cultivating Chablis's Finest
The Raveneau portfolio boasts Chablis's most esteemed vineyard sites, including three Grand Crus—Les Clos, Blanchot, and Valmur—and five premier crus—Montee de Tonnerre, Vaillons, Butteaux, Foret, and Monts Mains. In addition to these prestigious holdings, they produce a regional Chablis and a Petit Chablis. Their vineyard plots are small, with the most significant being Montee de Tonnerre, arguably their finest. Although not a Grand Cru, it is nestled adjacent to Chablis's esteemed Grand Cru hill, reaping the rewards of the same sun-kissed southern exposure.
Beyond the wines' undeniable quality, Raveneau's distinctiveness lies in their familial and artisanal approach to winemaking. Every aspect of their craft is executed by the Raveneau family. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested and promptly pressed. The wine is permitted to rest briefly before embarking on a two-week journey within fermentation tanks. Malolactic fermentation unfolds in petite barrels known as "feuillette," where it matures for 18 months. These smaller barrels delicately infuse the wine with traces of oxygen, awakening the signature Raveneau perfume and creamy texture.
Chablis Pinnacle
Domaine Raveneau has rightfully ascended to the pinnacle of Chablis. At first glance, they may seem like humble farmers, but at their core, they are among France's most skilled artists. Their vineyards serve as canvases, the grapes as paint, and the cellar as their brush. When these elements converge, they conjure one of Chablis's purest expressions. These wines are age-worthy and immensely enjoyable after eight to ten years in the bottle. Savvy collectors and discerning connoisseurs eagerly seize any chance to procure these exceptional bottles, recognizing that such opportunities are not to be missed.
Written by: Craig Headding
