Tardieu-Laurent is essentially a super-selective négociant-éleveur, family owned and run. Michel Tardieu is at the helm working alongside with his oenologist son Bastien with his wife Michelle and daughter Camille on administration. The concept of the company centres around Michel’s and increasingly Bastien’s Tardieu's abilities in sourcing small parcels of designated wines from quality fruit, then taking care of their élevage in the Tardieu’s cellar in Lourmarin. Michel has worked tirelessly to build relationships with small growers, over many years, encouraging best practice and sourcing, in the main, low production, old vine fruit. It is Michel’s and Bastien’s meticulous attention to detail, which makes these wines so special.
"Vacqueyras is the driest part of the southern Rhone. Half of this wine comes from sandy soils which, in combination with cool aspects, lend a welcome silkiness to the tannins. 70% Grenache (over 60 years old), 20% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah (both 40 years old). 50% whole bunch fermentedover 60 years old), This is a very elegant expression of Vacqueyras, virile and full of life, with none of the rusticity sometime found here. This always needs long elevage and bottle ageing.
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The Rhône wine region comprises two discrete vineyard areas whose landscapes, soils, climates and even grapes vary significantly, resulting in distinctly different wine styles.
