DOMAINE LAROCHE is directly linked to the history of Chablis. One of the most respected and largest landholders of Grand Cru vineyard, DOMAINE LAROCHE owns 90 hectares of vineyard situated amongst the best crus.
Its headquarters, the Obédiencerie of Chablis, reveals a heritage dating back from the Middle Ages when the Canons of Saint Martin of Tours were making wine. Saint Martin’s relics were hidden in the Obédiencerie for a decade. This exceptional testimony is very much alive: DOMAINE LAROCHE still elaborates and ages its Premiers and Grands Crus in these historical cellars. Its wines are a testimony of 1,000 years of history!
The LAROCHE philosophy is based on a very special care of the terroirs in order for each of them to express its own particular characteristics in the glass. The importance of the ecological balance is crucial to maintain the vineyard heritage and to favour its durability. The respect of the soil, of the vine workers and of the environment are LAROCHE major commitments.
‟ DOMAINE LAROCHE is involved in a large-scale approach of sustainability that implies an environment-friendly viticulture.
It all relies on taking the relationship between vine, soil, climate and environment into account. We therefore observe if plants are well-balanced, we can reduce treatments significantly, as they can naturally fight against pests and diseases.
We have our own specifications relying on a few simple principles: no weed killers, no pesticides, no anti-botrytis treatments. Those must help vine and not disturb their general balance or the ripening of grapes. We experiment natural treatments using nettle and valerian and it looks very efficient.”
‟Considering environment for viticulture only has little sense. In the winery, we use the same simple principles: minimal treatments, reduction of power consumption and use of rainfall water.
If you really want to take environment into account in your daily work, you need skilled people. You can’t insist too much on this. They help build new experiences.
We encourage apprenticeship, because it helps to transmit manual work on to new generations.”