Chablis Vieille Voye - 2017

Vineyard Profile

A historical plot in two ways. First of all, it has been recognized in the early days of the Chablis vineyard as a terroir of a great quality: the abbots of Pontigny who were at the origin of the Chablis vineyard already cultivated this plot in the 15th century. Secondly, it is one of the original plot of Domaine Laroche.
Vineyards: Vieille Voye is a single vineyard plot of 7 hectares, located beneath the Premier Cru Vaillons (Les Lys part).
Viticulture: One man, one plot: There are more than 30 people who are dedicated to caring for the 90-plus hectares (222.39 acres) of Domaine Laroche vineyards, with each person responsible for only one plot. This tailor-made approach allows them to manage the vineyards with precision, speed and accuracy. Everyone at Domaine Laroche practices “lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required): The vineyard is plowed to aerate the soil and encourage development of the root system, as well as the organic life in the soil. Vines are pruned and trained by hand, with a strict pruning and debudding regimen. Leaf plucking occurs to aerate the canopy and avoid the development of botrytis, while trellising aerates the grapes and provides them with favorable exposure.
Vine Age: 70 years
Density: 5,880 vines per hectare (2,380 vines per acre); massal selection from Laroche old vines for the new plantings.

A precocious season with buds showing in early April. The cold wave that followed slowed down the growth, leaving good conditions for the flowering beginning of June. This singular season offered beautiful bunches and quality grapes with good health conditions. Once pressed, the juices were precise, straight, with great texture. This vintage will bring well-structured wines with a nice freshness.

PRESSING: The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand. Whole bunches are pressed in a pneumatic press, and then the must settles for 12 hours at 10° C to 12° C (50° F to 54° F) in large vats.
Fermentation: The must ferments for 3 weeks, a part in stainless steel vats and the other one in French oak barrels.
Aging: 8 months aging in an old foudre. Then, the wine will be blended and aged further on fine lees for about 4-6 months depending on tastings.
Filtration: Minimal filtration is used to preserve and maximize the natural character of the wine.

Vieille Voye is a sunny and well-exposed terroir. A balance between acidity and soft fruit, with an intense and salty finish.