First produced in 1850 and now encompassing five generations of passion and experience, Laroche wines are known for their quality and excellence in more than 60 countries around the world.  References in these countries include prestigious hotels, restaurants, presidential and royal palaces, embassies, airlines, cruise lines, as well as a place on the shelves of Duty Free shops in many international airports. Such world renown and appreciation for our wines is due in larger part to the keen pioneering vision of the latest member of the Laroche family to lead the company, Michel.

the future. Chablis vineyard holdings have grown from a mere 6 hectares of vines 30 years ago to over 130 hectares today, including a recent shareholding in the Château de Chemilly, one of the rare chateaux in the area. This timely growth of the vineyard makes Domaine Laroche the third largest vineyard owner in Burgundy, all of which is managed from offices located in the birthplace of Chablis: a ninth century listed monastery called L’Obédiencerie in the village of Chablis itself.

Michel Laroche and senior staff in the Company’s Wine Tasting Room.

Accompanying the growth of Domaine Laroche in Chablis, Laroche has invested 35 million French francs in the Languedoc region in the south of France, terminating a ten year search by Michel to find the right place to create his “ideal wine”. The investment included the purchase and restoration of an estate from the early 19th century located close to Béziers and the replanting of 6 hectares of vines within the estate grounds. The first vintage to appear under the Domaine La Chevalière label was 1995, and almost immediately thereafter the Languedoc wines began to win awards and accolades for their exceptional quality and presentation.

The secret to success in producing such fine wines lies in Michel Laroche’s winemaking philosophy. He is in constant pursuit of excellence, using an innovative and creative approach to making wine, blending traditional techniques with new knowledge to make the best possible wine which an area is capable of. For Michel, a good winemaker is one who allows a wine to express its unique origin. The key factor is, of course, the grapes themselves, which Michel ensures comes from the best parcels of land. Respect for the raw materials continues through constant surveillance over the quality of the equipment used to make the wine. The facilities in both Chablis and Béziers are certified ISO 9002, making Laroche the first Burgundian producer to earn such recognition.

The two viticultural areas, in fact, present exciting but very different winemaking environments. Chablis is a tightly knit world, involving one grape variety (Chardonnay),  one climate and one soil in all situations. The result is a classic and authentic white wine, one that represents “The True Chablis”.

However, in the Languedoc, a myriad of grape varieties, climates and soil types are available with which to make wine. There is great freedom for experimenting with all of these ingredients, “mastering the art of blending” them together so as to produce a pioneering range of complex wines. The Languedoc allows such bold experimentation because it is currently one of the world’s most revolutionary winegrowing areas in terms of investment and wine making techniques, despite being one of the oldest (the Greeks cultivated wine there as early as 4 BC).

Continually searching for the best match between old and new, Laroche is committed to producing the best that a particular region can offer. Outside of his viticulture activities, Michel spends time with his wife, Gwénaël, and his children.