Chablis Vieille Voye — 2020

Vineyard Profile

A historical plot in two ways. First of all, it has been recognized in the early days of Chablis vineyards as a terroir of great quality: the abbots of Pontigny who were at the origin of the Chablis vineyard had cultivated this plot in the 15th century. Secondly, it is one of the original plots of Domaine Laroche
Vineyards: Vieille Voye is a single vineyard plot of 7 hectares (17.23 acres), located to the south of the Les Lys portion of Premier Cru Vaillons
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.

Harvest 2020 started on August 25. The harvest was impacted by drought, particularly the yields of certain plots that were well exposed to the sun. The Blanchots and Chablis Vieille Voye were the first plots to be harvested, followed closely by the Premiers Crus.

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 in 55hl foudres

Maturation: 9 months aging in old 55hl foudres

Filtration: Minimal filtration is used to preserve and maximize the natural character of the wine.

A balance between acidity and soft fruit, with an intense and salty finish. Finesse, salty minerality, and long length. The wine you would dream to pair with the best seafood.