Domaine William Fevre

Domaine William Fèvre is a prestigious wine estate located in the Chablis region of Burgundy, France, renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay wines. Here's a brief history:

Origins and Founding

  • The Fèvre family has deep roots in Chablis, with a presence in the region dating back over 250 years.
  • In 1959, William Fèvre officially founded the domaine under the name Domaine de la Maladière, taking over from his father, Maurice Fèvre, a respected grower after World War II

Growth and Reputation

  • William Fèvre rapidly expanded the estate, acquiring prime vineyard plots across Chablis, including 15.9 hectares of Premier Cru and 15.2 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards
  • He was a vocal advocate for preserving the integrity of Chablis terroir, opposing overexpansion in the 1980s and 1990s

Ownership Changes

  • In 1998, William Fèvre retired and sold the estate to the Champagne house Henriot, which maintained the estate’s high standards and commitment to terroir-driven winemaking
  • In January 2024, Domaine William Fèvre became part of the DBR Lafite family, further reinforcing its prestige and dedication to quality

Winemaking Philosophy

  • The domaine is known for its mineral-driven, elegant Chardonnays, thanks to the unique Kimmeridgian clay soils of Chablis.
  • Under winemaker Didier Séguier, the estate has embraced organic and biodynamic practices, with careful use of oak to highlight, not mask, the character of each vineyard