Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. The Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort 2020 is a captivating wine that exemplifies the excellence of Premier Cru Chablis. Crafted from vineyards spanning approximately 1.1 hectares in the renowned Fourchaume climat, this wine is a testament to Pierrick Laroche's expertise and dedication. This wine represents the unique characteristics of the Fourchaume climat. The terroir, with its limestone soils, imparts a distinct character to the wine. The precise flavour profile of the 2020 vintage has a harmonious balance of flavors, vibrant acidity and a subtle mineral undertone that are typical of Premier Cru Chablis. The Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume l'Homme Mort 2020 is a wine that captivates with its finesse, complexity and the expression of its Premier Cru terroir. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with seafood or poultry dishes, this Chablis is sure to impress with its elegance and depth. Pierrick's vineyards boast an average vine age of 25 years, with some vines reaching up to 35 years old. The winemaking process involves the use of indigenous yeast, allowing for a very long and slow alcoholic fermentation lasting 2-3 months. Following fermentation, the wine is carefully aged with 60% aged in stainless steel tanks and the remaining 40% in aged barrels. This aging process spans 18 months culminating in bottling during the spring. The result is a wine of exceptional complexity and depth, thanks to the meticulous elevage techniques employed by Pierrick Laroche.