Not only does the Raveneau family own many of the finest sites in the appellation, but their wines have a steely magnificence that captures the essence of Chablis’ distinctive terroir. The greatness of Raveneau’s Chablis has even led some to suggest they deserve an appellation of their own. Raveneau wines are famous for their longevity. In fact, many believe that a top Raveneau Chablis doesn’t hit its stride until it’s at least 8 to 10 years o...
As everywhere else in the world, the real secret to Raveneau’s quality is in the vineyards. During the 1960s and 1970s, François Raveneau—who died in 2000 and whose wife was a Dauvissat—assembled a domaine boasting one breathtaking parcel after another. Each is a tiny jewel, most no larger than a suburban house lot. In hectares: Les Clos is .5; Valmur .8; Blanchots .6; Chapelot .2; Vaillons .4; Montmains .4; and Forêts .4. Only Montée de Tonne...
Viticulture is largely natural, with the old vines severely pruned in winter to reduce yields. After hand-harvesting, the fruit is pressed immediately and settled for half a day. Fermentation is largely in cuve, and the malolactic proceeds at its own pace, followed by a year’s aging in small oak barrels called feuillettes. The feuillettes, about half the size of a barrique, are one of the keys to the expressiveness of Raveneaus wines. Averagin...
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