William Fèvre
Chablis, France
William Fèvre declared his first vintage in 1959, marking the birth of the domaine and a pivotal moment in the production of quality-focused Chablis. Garnering over 250 years of family experience working the land in this region, Fèvre established himself as a winemaker with a modest seven hectares of vineyards. Slowly and methodically, the domaine acquired new vineyard sites in Chablis over the years, all situated in historic terroirs. At the same time, it became synonymous with technological advancement and led the charge of environmental stewardship, embracing organic viticulture since 2000 (certification commencing from the 2023 vintage), and biodynamic practices initiated in 2010 across 32 hectares.
The vineyards boast an impressive average vine age ranging from 30 to 60 years, with some dating back to the 1940s. Aging of the crus takes place for 13 to 14 months, with 40 to 50% of the harvest spending 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels, without new oak.
Today, Domaine William Fèvre is not only one of the most influential landowners in Chablis — possessing an impressive 70 hectares of vineyards (all vinified separately) — they also indisputably have the greatest holdings, including 15.9 hectares classified as Premiers Crus and 15.2 as Grand Crus. A new chapter began for the estate in 2024, when it was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owned by the esteemed Lafite family.
Wines
Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
Historically owned by French royalty, the climat of Les Lys sits towards the top of the hill in Vaillons. On the left bank of the Serein, Fèvre’s 0.99 hectares of vines grow in clay over Kimmeridgian soils, its eastern exposure producing a delicate wine with a soft, charming palate.
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
This left-bank cru spans a massive 104 hectares divided into 8 climats – Fèvre owns 3.65 hectares over 12 plots. One of the first vineyards to reach maturity, it shows its fast ripening in shades of peach, pineapple, and pear.
Saint-Bris
Chablis
Located southwest of Chablis, Saint-Bris is the only appellation in Burgundy that allows Sauvignon Blanc. This wine grows from northeast- and northwest-facing parcels with a mix of stones, hard limestone and clay-silt. A 12-hour pre-fermentation maceration adds to this wine’s freshness, a linearity solidified by its all-stainless-steel aging.
Chablis Domaine
Chablis
This wine is made from William Fèvre’s organic estate vineyards, with many of the parcels lying adjacent to Premier Cru sites. An attractive, fresh, and classically mineral Chablis.
Chablis Champs Royaux
Chablis
Translates to "Royal Fields", a selection from the highest quality fruit covering 37 hectares of vineyards in the Chablis appellation.
Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
Beauroy is a cru sensitive to late frosts. So sensitive, in fact, growers created the artificial Etang de Beine at the foot of its hill both to influence its microclimate and as a water source for aspersion. Fèvre owns 1.12 hectares in the subclimat of Les Troësmes, where the steep slopes and thin clay-limestone soils give finesse and elegance to the wine while the sunny south-southeastern exposures provide a background of richness.
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
On the left bank of the Serein, Fèvre owns 3.68 hectares with vines in each of the climats off this Premier Cru. The parcel in Butteaux gives minerality, Forêts – fruitiness, and Montmains – richness. The vineyard has a uniquely stony terroir that grows an accessible, fresh wine in its youth that has the power and concentration to age.
Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume
Chablis 1er Cru
Fourchaum is situated on the opposite face of the hillside on which Grand Crus Les Preuses and Bougros sit. Fèvre’s holdings are on the eastern side of the vineyard, as close as one can get to the Grands Crus without crossing over. The soils resemble their storied neighbors and grow similarly powerful wines, perhaps with a shade more freshness.
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
This cru takes its name from the "Mont de Lieu" as it was traditionally considered the delineation between Burgundy and Champagne. Because of its double exposure to the south and the southeast, it gets more sunshine than other Premiers Crus and develops aromas of candied fruit and hazelnuts with age.
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
The Montée de Tonnèrre wraps around the hillside immediately east of the Côte des Grands Crus. Its geological profile closely resembles the Grands Crus and as such is considered one of the finest Premiers Crus. Fèvre’s holdings are in three lieux-dits on the crest of the hill with exposures ranging from southwest to south to southeast. Both full and rich while holding onto mineral and floral characters, the wine shows intensity and complexity in its youth, and will develop subtlety as it ages.
People
Didier Séguier, Director, Winemaker
The childhood and youth of Didier Séguier traverse the agricultural and wine-growing regions of France. Born in Cognac, he grew up in Bordeaux where his parents were surrounded by winemaker friends. Cellar visits punctuated these years, leading him to a viticulture-enology baccalaureate in Sauternes and then to a BTS (Advanced Technician’s Certificate) that he obtained in Avize.
Champagne introduced him to a different world and different methods, and it was during an internship at Veuve Clicquot that he first met Joseph Henriot. At that time, Didier considered taking over a vineyard and extended his technical
apprenticeship with commercial training in Paris.
In 1992, Didier applied to Bouchard Père et Fils as Cellar Master. For six years, he learned the finesse of the great terroirs of Burgundy.
In 1998, at the age of thirty, Didier Séguier took over the direction of Domaine William Fèvre.
Accompanied by François Ménin, Vineyard Manager, and Pascal Reynaud, Cellar Master, Didier has been committed to environmental viticulture since 2000, combining tradition and innovation. The respect for the Chablis terroir has always been a driving force for the estate, continuing after its acquisition by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite in January 2024.
Saskia de Rothschild, Owner
Saskia de Rothschild is the chairwoman of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Born into the esteemed Rothschild family, and with a background in business and finance, Saskia brings a modern perspective to the traditional art of winemaking, ensuring the continued success and innovation of the family's wine estates.
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