Laroche · The people behind the bottles
Our producers
Every bottle at Laroche has a name and an address. Here you can read how Louis-Pierre selects, and who the winemakers, distillers and producers are that he imports from.
01 — The selection
How a producer comes to Laroche
It starts with up to five winemakers from one appellation; in the end one or two remain. Louis-Pierre Laroche has selected this way for over 20 years, wine and delicatessen alike.
- 01
Five per appellation
From one appellation Louis-Pierre picks up to five winemakers who stand for the wine of their region.
- 02
The first question
He writes to each of them and asks them to describe their estate and their quality criteria. About a third drop out here.
- 03
Samples, no price list
From the rest he asks for samples but no prices. He wants to taste before he knows what a bottle costs.
- 04
A week of tasting
All bottles stand side by side, often several vintages of the same wine. He tastes for a week, then ranks them.
- 05
Only then the price
Usually two winemakers remain. Now he asks for the price list, and the decision is made.
- 06
The visit
Finally he drives there, tastes once more and gets to know the family. Whoever stays usually stays for many years.
Typical of its appellation
A Sancerre should taste the way you expect a Sancerre to taste, a Muscadet like a Muscadet. He looks for wines that show their origin unmistakably.
And the insider tips
Alongside them, wines nobody expects, such as a pure Merlot from Bordeaux.
“I do not want a price list. I want to taste first.”
What an estate has to bring
Own vines, own signature
- Own grapes or own distillates, made and bottled by the estate
- A recognisable style that suits the region and holds across vintages
- A price that fits the wine: for everyday bottles as for great growths
- Samples and vintage information arrive reliably, visits are welcome
- No other importer in Austria: Laroche works with each estate alone
02 — All producers
From the Loire to Gascony
Sorted by region. A portrait with description, photos and certificates is being created for each estate, one after the other. Château de Millet makes the start.
Loire
Loire · Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
Domaine de la Haute Févrie
Muscadet sur lie
Family estate in the Muscadet area near Nantes. Melon de Bourgogne aged on the lees: the salty opening of the first Grand Tour stage.
Wines in the store →Loire · Touraine
Domaine de la Chaise
Touraine rouge, Gamay
Family estate in the Touraine. The Gamay “Tradition” is the red companion to cheese and charcuterie at the Heuriger table.
Wines in the store →Loire · Pouilly-Fumé
Domaine Benoît Chauveau
Pouilly-Fumé „La Charmette“
Sauvignon Blanc from the flint soils on the east bank of the Loire. The finest wine of stage 01.
Wines in the store →South-West & Charente
Gascogne · Bas-Armagnac
Château de Millet
Bas-Armagnac, Floc de Gascogne
The Dèche family in Eauze, propriétaire récoltant: the grapes come from their own vines, distilling and ageing happen at the estate. Vintage Armagnacs and Floc de Gascogne.
To the portrait → Products in the store →Charente · Cognac
Cognac Godet
Cognac, Pineau des Charentes
Cognac house in La Rochelle, family-owned. At Laroche: the Pineau des Charentes as an aperitif and the cognacs of the house.
Products in the store → Portrait coming soonNormandy
Normandie · Pays d’Auge
Le Père Jules
Cidre, Pommeau, Calvados
Family business in the Pays d’Auge. Cider from their own apples, plus Pommeau and Calvados from their own distillery.
Products in the store → Portrait coming soonBordeaux & Burgundy
Bordeaux · Burgund
The Grands Crus
Classified growths, single-vineyard wines, mature vintages
The great names from the Bordelais and Burgundy lie in the warehouse in Markt Piesting. Which châteaux and domaines are currently available is shown in the store.
Bordeaux in the store →Missing an estate? Ask us, the warehouse holds more than this list.
03 — Advice
Which producer suits you?
Louis-Pierre and his family advise you in the store in Markt Piesting, by phone and by email.