Grapes and Gastronomy at Domaine Laroche

A Taste of Chablis

Chablis’ origins go way, way, way back, to Neolithic times. But vines and winemaking first show up here with the Gauls (Latin name for Celts). It is believed that the origin of the name Chablis stems from the Celtic term ‘cab’ or ‘house’ – and ‘leya’ which loosely translates to ‘near the wood’. The village itself has its beginnings with the Romans. During this time the vines were actually pulled up, during 81-96 AD, and then re-planted in 276. It’s no wonder with such a lengthy wine history that Chablis is quite well known!

In the 9th century, Benedictine monks fled vikings in the Loire valley, came to Chablis and set up a monastery. This was the beginnings of Domaine Laroche’s Obédiencerie (more on this below). Wine making truly took off from 1114 when local Cistercian monks began to develop Chablis as a wine region. The nearby River Yonne acted as the highway of its day in getting Chablis wines to Paris and the royal household, and then ultimately beyond.

1000 Years of History

The 9th century monastery, Obédiencerie, is now the main offices and cellars of Domaine Laroche. It was originally part of the monastery of St. Martin and was where the monks developed the craft of winemaking in the Middle Ages all the way to the French Revolution.

The 1000 year-old Obédiencerie is considered the birthplace of wine in Chablis, as it is where the monks made the first Chablis wine. Guests on hotel barges L’Art de Vivre and La Belle Epoque will have the opportunity to tour the Obédiencerie, dated at over one thousand years old.

To this day, it remains in the same location for the aging of the wines. Here, guests will observe the 9^th century cellars and the 13^th century double press. Some say that the Obédiencerie could tell the history of Chablis wines on its own.

Through the Generations

The beginnings of Domaine Laroche date back to the mid-1800s with Jean-Victor Laroche. He purchased the first parcel of vines just outside Chablis. Over the generations, more vineyards were purchased and handed down within the family. In the 1960s Henri Laroche and then his son began investing and expanding the Domaine. They focused on quality of the vineyards, and really increased their premiere and grand crus holdings.

In 1985 Michel Laroche purchased the Obédiencerie. He went on to found the Union des Grand Crus de Chablis, which focused on promoting the great wines of this region. Controversially he was also an advocate for screw caps and pioneered their use in Chablis. Today Domaine Laroche is owned by the Advini group, another long-standing family that focuses on the quality of terroir and wine making traditions.

Tour Domaine Laroche

Your guide will talk you through the wine-making process as you leisurely walk through the ancient vineyards. It’s here that you’ll discover how the large-scale approach to sustainability is key in their wine production as well as its environment, perfectly fusing the relationship between vine, soil, climate and environment: the terroir.

The Domaine’s ethos is that if plants are well-balanced, treatments greatly reduce which means a natural pesticide and disease deterrent is created. They adhere to their own specifications, relying on a few simple principles: no weed killers, no pesticides, no anti-botrytis treatments. These must help the vine and not disturb their general balance of the ripening of grapes.

A Taste of Heaven

If you’re a fan of Chablis wines, you’re sure to be impressed at Domaine Laroche. They offer a wide range from their almost 100 hectares (just about 250 acres) of vineyards covering multiple locations. From these they can boast many stunning wines, in particular premiere crus and grand crus.

Not only will you have the opportunity to taste a range of their wines, but if you are aboard L’Art de Vivre, guests will also enjoy a spectacular four-course lunch served exclusively for the group by the private chef. The perfect way to end a fascinating tour of Chablis wines.

You can sample some of Chablis’ finest crus at Domaine Laroche aboard the 8-passenger hotel barge, L’Art de Vivre, as well as the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque in France’s Burgundy region. Talk to our Cruise Experts today via the contact form, to find out more about our unforgettable Burgundy cruises. Or order your free copy of our brochure today!