Shop Francois Raveneau

The Legacy of Francois Raveneau

The wines of Domaine Raveneau are highly sought after, making it the most sublime and celebrated estate of Chablis. The vineyard holdings consist predominantly of grand cru and premier cru fruit, making them exceptional and limited in quantity. These world-class wines are renowned for their outstanding quality, consistency, and the remarkable craftsmanship of the vignerons behind them.

A Rich History

The Domaine was established in 1948 when François Raveneau merged his vineyard parcels with those of his wife's family. Despite his father's previous sale of prime parcels, François was determined to acquire new vineyards for the domaine. His distinctive winemaking style quickly gained recognition, surpassing the growing trend of ordinary, uniform Chardonnays. Kermit Lynch, the well-known wine merchant, endeavoured to include Raveneau wines in his portfolio and succeeded with the 1979 vintage. Today, François' sons, Bernard and Jean-Marie, lead the Domaine, upholding their father's philosophy both in the vineyards and in the cellar.

The Brothers Raveneau

Bernard and Jean-Marie Raveneau form a formidable duo, carrying on the family legacy with pride, reserve, pragmatism, and humility that befits true farmers. They work harmoniously, each contributing their expertise to the winemaking process. Jean-Marie, who attended the prestigious Lycée Viticole in Beaune, joined the Domaine in 1978. Bernard, having previously worked for a négociant, finally joined his brother in 1995 after François' retirement. The Raveneau brothers cultivate nearly eight hectares of land, encompassing three grand cru vineyards (Blanchot, Les Clos, and Valmur) and six premier crus (Montée de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, Butteaux, Chapelot, Mont-Mains, and Forêt). The cool climate of Chablis, characterized by rich clay and chalky limestone from the Kimmeridgian chain, provides the perfect conditions for their vines to thrive.

Preserving Tradition

The Raveneau family continues to uphold traditional winemaking methods, ensuring that the journey from vine to glass is steeped in time-honoured practices. Although François Raveneau passed away in 2000, his daughter, Isabelle, has joined her uncle and cousin, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining the Domaine Raveneau legacy for future generations.

Explore Raveneau Wines at The Reserve Cellar