Pierrick Laroche, Domaine des Hates Petit Chablis 2021
The Wine
The domain has nearly 12 ha of Petit Chablis, classified as such because the limestone tends to be the younger Portlandian rather than the older Kimmeridgian, and as such typically occupies higher sites and has less clay.
“2021 was better than both 2016 and 2017 but it was still half a harvest. The stock situation is very low – we had lots of great orders but pretty much all is reserved now – our stock too. So a bit more volume in 22 would definitely be appreciated. 2019 and 2020 were okay volumes – lower than 18 for sure but we are less well prepared after 2021. The wines started a bit meagre but now resemble 2017…” Burgundy Report, Bill Nanson, February 2022.
The Details
Variety - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Chablis
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2021
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Located in the north-west sector of Chablis in the village of Maligny, Pierrick Laroche now runs this family estate which was established by his father in the 1970s. His father gradually gained planting rights and slowly added to the family vineyard holdings over time. In 2010 Pierrick produced his first vintage to great acclaim (his father had previously sold the grapes to La Chablisienne).
Pierrick has a degree in oenology from Beaune and after graduating he travelled the world, doing various internships to gain experience before returning home to start making wine and take over the family vineyards for himself.
His cellars are built into the side of a hill in the village enabling much of the work to be done by gravity. Vinifications are done classically in stainless steel tanks with some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines aged in used barrels for a small portion of each cuvée where the wines undergo full malolactic.
