Producer >
Tardieu-Laurent is an almost unique operation in the Rhône Valley, a model that is much more commonly found in Burgundy and one that is a growing trend in Champagne. Somehow the French term for what they do fits more neatly, ‘micro-négociant éléveur haute couture.’
In English, it roughly translates to ‘a specialist in the maturation of outstanding wines, from top sites, in very limited quantities.’
Michel took over full ownership in 2004, a moment that coincided with the arrival of his son Bastien, a newly qualified oenologist. The company name remained unchanged as did the modus operandi but from that point and continuing through to today, the focus shifted, with an emphasis on elegance and freshness. They still age the wines in small oak barrels but only for the first year and have greatly lessened the percentage of new oak, eliminating it entirely for their reds from the South.
Viticulture >
TERROIR
Début du Méal, Pierrelles, Diognières, la Croix
TYPE OF SOIL
Clayey granitic.
AGEING
12 months in new and one old barrels. Then 12 months in foudre. Allier-Tronçais-Jupille
VINIFICATION
1/3 non destemmed.
Winemaking >
Made from grapes sourced from the lieux-dits of Le Méal, Diognières, Les Pierrelles and La Croix. The vines average over 60 years old and are planted on a mixture of granite and clay soils.
During the fermentation 1/3rd of the grapes are added whole bunch. The first 12 months of ageing takes place in 228 litre barrels of which 40% are new and 60% 1 year old. This is followed by 12 months in large, oval oak casks.
Syrah
Red
14%
France
Rhône Valley
6
Cork
Yes
Maison Tardieu-Laurent
75cl
Vegan
Vegetarian 
Fact Sheet
