Wine: French revolution a renowned chablis producer warms to the potential of Chile

ONE of the most significant developments in the last two decades in Europe is the expansion of traditional wineries outside their region or country.

One of the most successful at dynamic investments abroad has been Domaine Laroche. A venerable old producer, built up over the last 160 years, it is renowned for creating some of the finest chablis you can buy.

In Chablis alone Laroche are significant vineyard owners, with 100 hectares, including 30 in top Premier Cru and six in Grand Cru. Now they have expanded into Languedoc in southern France and further afield, to Chile.

Michel Laroche is both a pioneer and an instigator. He helped to create the Union des Grands Crus in Chablis. Now he is forging ahead with ambitious expansion plans with the aim of moving into organic production.

The potential in Languedoc-Roussillon is well known, so it is hardly surprising this was his first investment. Mas La Chevaliere, with its 25 hectare Roqua Blanca vineyard, has now been certified organic starting with this vintage, 2012.

The organic syrah and grenache are grown in their own vineyard, with organic chardonnay being bought in from a number of vineyards in the south of France.

Michel Laroche first visited Casablanca Valley in Chile in 2001. This region was then at the forefront of Chile’s new cool climate styles – and Laroche singled it out as the most exciting area in the country for quality wines. At Vina Punto Alto, which lies just 20 kilometres from the Pacific ocean, he grows sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir which have thrived here. Organic methods will work well in Chile’s dry climate.