Domaine Chambleau
At the Heart of the Neuchâtel Terroir
The sun gently bathed the Jura foothills, illuminating the hillsides that have borne witness to a thousand years of winemaking traditions. In the heart of this bucolic landscape stands Domaine de Chambleau, an ode to perseverance, respect for the land and innovation. It was here, between lake and mountains, that I met Charlotte, the heiress to the Burgat wine quest.
The estate’s soils are a geological marvel. Formed of limestone and glacial moraine, they allow vines to grow deep roots in search of precious minerals. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive here, enveloped by the age-old echo of the Neuchâtel terroir. The earth speaks, whispering its secrets through every drop.
Domaine de Chambleau is not content to follow tradition. With a total conversion to organic methods in 2017, and flirting with biodynamics, they have become forerunners in the quest for authentic wines. Each harvest is the fruit of manual tenderness, each bottle an echo of the care lavished on the vines. The history of Domaine de Chambleau is intertwined with the wine renaissance of the Neuchâtel region. Decades ago, this beautiful region suffered from a tarnished reputation. But the estate, with boldness and vision, was among the pioneers in taking risks, innovating and challenging conventional wisdom. Today, the whole canton benefits.
Charlotte, with her international studies and experience, represents a fusion of past and future. It embodies respect for the environment while daring to explore and innovate. This boldness is reflected in the estate’s wines, each bottle a story, an adventure.
My favourites from the estate :
Chasselas “Non-Filtré”:
Embodying a great Neuchâtel tradition, this Chasselas “Non-Filtré” bears witness to a profound loyalty to the region’s terroir. Its slightly cloudy color reflects a preserved authenticity, where each sip reveals a mineral richness reminiscent of the estate’s limestone soils. Floral notes evoke springtime on the slopes of Colombier, while a subtle hint of citrus refreshes the palate and surrounds beautiful exotic aromas. This Chasselas is the perfect embodiment of the Neuchâtel tradition, to be enjoyed ideally with regional dishes such as mild local cheeses or delicacies from the lake.
White partridge:
It reveals itself with a luminous delicacy, reminiscent of the gentle reverberation of the sun on Lake Neuchâtel. The aromas revolve around fruity notes with a subtle hint of citrus, giving it exquisite freshness. But that’s not all: the complexity of Perdrix Blanche also comes from its floral, almost spring-like notes. It goes well with seafood, especially oysters or grilled shrimp, but also with a fresh citrus or herb salad.
Cuvée Charlotte:
A poetic tribute to Charlotte’s passion and determination. This cuvée is a symphony of flavors. Delicate aromas of ripe red and black berries mingle with hints of violet, creating a seductive bouquet. On the palate, the balance is striking: juicy generosity counterbalanced by spicy freshness, all supported by fine, silky tannins. Notes of chocolate add a gourmet depth to this wine, making its pairing with a Neuchâtel sausage almost divine. For more refined occasions, a slow-cooked piece of beef in sauce would be the perfect choice to accompany this exceptional cuvée.
Visiting Domaine de Chambleau gave me an enriching perspective on the already rich heritage of Neuchâtel wines. Behind every bottle from this estate is a story of courage, innovation and love for the vine. Tasting their vintages is a celebration of flavors, a reminder that Neuchâtel has long excelled in the art of winemaking. For those looking to discover or rediscover the greatness of Neuchâtel wines, Domaine de Chambleau is a must. Like me, you’ll leave feeling moved, inspired and a little tipsy.
For more information: https://chambleau.ch/