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Chablis Masterclass with Domaine Laroche

Wednesday 13 February 2013

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Wine School founder Jimmy Smith recently visited charming Chablis in Burgundy in April 2012. He was throughly impressed with Domaine Laroche who produces all levels of Chablis including the exquisite Grand Crus such as Les Clos and Blanchots, so much so that he has created a Masterclass showcasing the diversity of quality levels from Petit Chablis to Grand Cru.

The Purest Expression

The picturesque town of Chablis in Burgundy is home to some 5,000 hectares of vines, all exclusively Chardonnay. Due to the cool marginal climate the style of Chardonnay produced here is the purest and most elegant with minimal winemaking (oak) changes. The wines are wonderfully poised with refreshing steely acidity with a taste of terroir (the land) as the chalky soil here imparts a beautiful minerality into the finish. If you struggle with the big alcoholic and oaky white wines of the world then try Chablis as an excellent alternative; light bodied, refreshing and elegant with light alcohol.

From Petit to Grand

The tasting will discover all levels of Chablis, from the friendly Petit Chablis at about £10, through to Premier Cru at about £25 to the complex Grand Cru at about £60. We will show you a wealth of pictures taken in April to help understand the differences of location, aspect and soil and how these shape the hierarchy of Chablus.

Domaine Laroche

Domaine Laroche epitomises Chablis. The quality of their wines is impeccable, with all wines carrying the Chablis hallmark of crystalline purity and steely minerality. The domaine has been built up over the past 160 years, but a dynamism that is unusual in such a venerable producer permeates everything Laroche does. Michel Laroche, the driving force since he took over the domaine in 1967, has recently merged the company with another family owned producer, Jeanjean, yet he remains actively involved in the company. The approach to production is meticulous under the stewardship of vineyard manager Yannick Cadiou and newly appointed winemaker Grégory Viennois and many of their vineyards are being converted to organic viticulture. Chablis is a fragmented region, but Domaine Laroche owns 100 hectares of vines, including an impressive 30 hectares of Premier Crus and six hectares of Grand Crus. In addition to their own vineyards, the domaine has developed long-standing purchasing partnerships with 40 small growers.

Wines on Tasting:

Petit Chablis 2010 (£12)
Saint Martin Chablis 2010 (£15)
Les Vaudevey 1er Cru 2008 (£20)
Les Vallions 'Vieilles Vignes' 1er Cru 2007 (£25)
Les Blanchots Grand Cru 2007 (£50)
Les Clos Grand Cru 2007 (£65)
Les Clos Grand Cru 2004 (£65)
The tasting will be presented by Anne Roque who is Domaine Laroche's UK representative.

Event details

Date
Wednesday 13 February 2013
Time
19:00 to 21:00
Type
Masterclass
Cost
£30
Booking required
Yes
Website
Venue details
West London Wine School London London