Chablis Masterclass with Domaine Laroche – West London Wine School
Friday 31 July 2015
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Wine School founder Jimmy Smith recently visited charming Chablis in Burgundy in August 2014. He was thoroughly 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.
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 2013 (£12)Saint Martin Chablis 2013 (£15)Les Vaudevey 1er Cru 2011 (£20)Les Vallions 'Vieilles Vignes' 1er Cru 2009 (£25)Les Blanchots Grand Cru 2009 (£50)Les Clos Grand Cru 2010 (£65)Les Clos Grand Cru 2008 (£65)
The tasting will be presented by Anne Roque who is Domaine Laroche's UK representative.