Michel Laroche is a prominent figure in the wine industry, known for his pioneering efforts in both Burgundy’s Chablis region and southern France's Languedoc region. Coming from a long line of winemakers, Laroche has been instrumental in modernizing winemaking techniques while maintaining a deep respect for tradition and terroir.
In Chablis, Laroche's efforts focused on expressing the unique characteristics of the Chardonnay grape and the region's distinctive terroir. He was among the first in the area to adopt stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 1970s, a move that contributed to Chablis's pure, crisp, and mineral-driven style that has gained worldwide acclaim.
Laroche's involvement in the Languedoc region reflects his vision to explore new territories and his belief in the area's potential to produce exceptional wines. Recognizing the Languedoc's diverse climates and soils, he embarked on winemaking efforts to showcase the region's potential beyond the mass-produced wines it once known for. This endeavor led to the creation of Mas La Chevalière, a winery near Béziers, in the early 1990s.
At Mas La Chevalière, Michel Laroche and his team have focused on sustainable viticulture practices, including "lutte raisonnée" (reasoned fight), which minimizes chemical interventions and promotes the health of the vineyard ecosystem. The vineyard's location in the Orb Valley, with its varied landscapes and microclimates, allows for the cultivation of various grape types, each chosen for their suitability to the local conditions. This careful selection and cultivation process is reflected in the diverse portfolio of wines produced under the Mas La Chevalière label, including varietal wines from international and local grape varieties, each expressing the unique qualities of the Languedoc terroir.
