Domaine Laroque d'Antan

Cotes Du Lot Nephele 2017

It’s hard to believe that the name “Domaine Laroque d’Antan” isn’t being splashed across the lips of every sommelier, wine list, and world-class dining table. With grape cuttings from Clos Rougeard (Cabernet Franc), Cotat and Dagueneau (Sauvignon Blanc), Domaine Plageole (Mauzac, Prunelart) and seasoned barrels from Selosse and Dujac, it appears this winery has made cult-connections across the industry. That’s because the couple, Lydia and Claude Bourguignon, are world-renowned soil scientists and have consulted with the aforementioned producers and more (DRC, Chave, Huet, Egly-Ouriet – just to drop a few more names).

They have resurrected a once abandoned vineyard in the Southwest France, a few kilometres outside of Cahors. Given their vocation, it’s soil health first and foremost, so the vineyard is certified organic and in transition to biodynamics. Their wines are made with freshness in mind, rather than the more rustic and chewy styles the Southwest is known for.