Domaine Laroche, Chablis `St Martin` 2018 Chablis, Burgundy, France

PRODUCER Domaine Laroche is deeply rooted in the history of Chablis, based in the ‘Obédiencerie’, a former monastery in Chablis itself, where has been made for over 1,000 years. The quality of the is consistently impeccable, with the Chablis hallmark of crystalline purity and racy acidity. Their ownership of is remarkable and sets them apart from their main competitors. Chablis is a fragmented region, yet Domaine Laroche owns 90 hectares of vines, including 21 hectares of Premier Cru and six hectares of Grand Cru vineyards. In addition to their own vineyards, the domaine has developed long-standing purchasing partnerships with 40 small growers; the Laroche Chablis is made from these partnerships, while the Domaine Laroche wines are made from their own vineyards. 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.

VINEYARDS Saint Martin refers to the patron saint of Chablis, whose relics were kept in the domaine's ancient monastery for many years. Domaine Laroche owns 63 hectares of Chablis on the famous Kimmeridgian soil that gives the wines such precision. Each plot, of which there are 30 in total, has a different exposure, soil depth and vine age which contributes complexity to the wine and means that every parcel ripens at a different time. Gregory Viennois refers to 's 'two-day window' of maturity - if the parcels aren't harvested in this time the precious Chablis aromas are lost.

VINTAGE 2018 was one of the best for Chablis in the last 20 years. An unusually warm, dry summer encouraged optimal ripeness while warding off diseases, resulting in plentiful yields. This is welcome news after two years racked by frost. Grape Varieties 100% Chardonnay Closure Screwcap VINIFICATION The grapes were pressed and settled at low temperatures for 12 ABV 12.5% hours in wide tanks, to help the settling process and minimise the Bottle Sizes 37.5cl, 75cl, 150cl need for sulphur dioxide. Fermentation lasted 21 days at 17°C, followed by full . After filtration with Notes Sustainable, Vegetarian, Vegan Bentonite, the majority of the wine was aged for eight months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks with a small amount (8%) in large casks (foudres). Filtration was light to preserve the natural body of the wine.

TASTING NOTES This Chablis is pale gold in colour. It has an intense freshness typical of the area, with ripe white fruit and white blossom aromas. On the palate, its minerality gives a lingering finish and wonderfully distinct character.