Michel Laroche - Chardonnay - Petit-Chablis, Burgundy, FR - 2023

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Farming Natural farming Vinification Dry Farmed, Indigenous yeast fermented, Malolactic, Stainless Steel Vat Fermented & Aged Soil Type Chalky Limestone, Clay 80% estate grown fruit 20% purchased fruit Vineyards: Average vine age 30+ years old. Located in the villages of Chablis, Fyé, Maligny & Beine Produced from estate grown and purchased fruit, these Petit Chablis parcels are mostly found on the crowns of the hills throughout the Chablis appellation. These are areas that historically were harder to ripen due to rocky soils and higher elevation, which is no longer an issue given global warming. These parcels now produce some of the purest, most striking mineral driven expressions of the Chardonnay grape. The wine expresses flint, herbal notes and citrus in the nose, classic traits of Chablis. Bright crisp acidity provides tension and backbone to the ripe flavors of melon, pear and almonds. Wonderfully versatile with food, this wine is as serious or playful as you would like.

Notes on the Producer

There are records confirming that the Laroche family owned vineyards in Chablis dating back to the late 17th century. Henri and Madeleine Laroche spent their entire lives building the family estate which their son Michel (the current patriarch) then used as the foundation for building a hugely successful wine business (Domaine Laroche) beginning when he took over the reins in 1967. In 2010, he sold his stake in this business, keeping the historic vineyards that he had inherited, and began the process of creating a family domaine with his children Margaux and Romain and his wife Cécile, that would then be called Le Domaine d’Henri, in homage to his father. They have designed a modern winery large enough to handle their current and estimated future needs for space, but small enough to be operated during most seasons by one or two people. 2022 marks the vintage where all vineyards and purchased fruit are now certified organically grown. Henceforth, the necociant brand Michel Laroche et ses Enfants will use a combination of estate grown and purchased fruit, all certified organic. The former label, Les Allées du Vignoble has been retired. The wine-making here is patient, traditional and forward looking. Only naturally occurring indigenous yeasts are used and the malo-lactic fermentation is allowed to take place at its own pace. Armed with an array of brand new, temperature controlled stainless steel vats, the team is prepared for anything that the harvest throws their way. In addition, they have opted for a battery of large-format (600 liter) barrels for the proper aging of all their top Chablis appellations. Laroche firmly believes that bottling should not adhere to a set schedule, for great Chablis needs time before bottling and it is not uncommon that a wine will spend a year in barrel and another year in vat before it is deemed ready to bottle. -Beaune Imports