Michel Laroche (of Domaine Laroche in Chablis) purchased the La Chevalière vineyards in 1995, following a 10-year search for a Languedoc site with limestone soils similar to Chablis and suited to Chardonnay. Located near Béziers, Michel made significant improvements to the vineyards and established the La Chevalière winery there.

Géraud Blanc heads up the winemaking team at Laroche La Chevalière. The estate comprises 45 hectares of vines which have been planted or replanted across three vineyards with varieties best suited to each parcel and microclimate. Yields have been reduced and organic practices implemented in many vineyards, with organic certification underway. Irrigation is used to avoid water stress, resulting in the wines being classified as ‘IGP Pays d‘Oc’. The estate’s vineyards are supplemented with fruit from trusted local growers who meet Géraud’s rigorous quality standards.

The grapes are predominantly sourced from organic vineyards of growers with whom winemaker Géraud Blanc has long-term purchasing partnerships. The Pinot Noir grapes come from the Northern Gard and the foothills of Cévennes hills. Only natural products are used in the vineyards with no pesticides or herbicides from chemical origin. This approach in the vineyards is particularly demanding due to the fact all the work must be done by hand. The results, however, are apparent in the purity of fruit and the extra depth and refined balance achieved in the final wine.

Grape: Pinot Nour

Region: Languedoc

Country: France

ABV: 13%

Vintage: 2023