Laroche - l'Avenir

The Laroche family has been producing and crafting Chablis wines since 1850. Michel Laroche, representing the fifth generation, joined the family estate in 1967 to carry on the tradition and continue the work begun by his predecessors. In 2006, following the acquisition in Chile, Michel Laroche continued his expansion outside of France by purchasing Laroche - L’Avenir, a 70-hectare estate, 55 hectares of which are vineyards. He expressed a desire to expand the group’s operations in a region of the world that is currently experiencing the most dynamic growth. This acquisition in Stellenbosch, at the heart of South Africa’s wine region, fits perfectly into this strategy and will enable Domaines Laroche to expand its portfolio with high-quality wines that command a strong reputation.

The quality of viticulture in South Africa, as with all Laroche vineyards, is a matter of the utmost importance; the quality of the future wine depends on the quality of the harvested fruit and thus on the work in the vineyard. Moderate yields and fully ripe fruit—but without excess—allow for the production of balanced wines. With the exception of Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault that has become the country’s iconic grape variety, all French grape varieties are found here. Laroche-l’Avenir cultivates Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinotage, which is the estate’s dominant grape variety. Laroche-l’Avenir produces elegant and generous wines with very classic characteristics.