Launay Horiot
History and Background
Domaine Launay-Horiot, located in Pommard, Burgundy, France, has a history that dates back several generations. The estate is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Under the current management of Xavier Horiot, the domaine has maintained a strong commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices, earning it a prestigious reputation among Burgundy producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Launay Horiot's vineyards are located in Pommard, a village within the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, France, covering approximately 4 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly clay and limestone, providing a mix of mineral richness and structured drainage that contribute to the complexity and intensity of flavors in the wines.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir, producing red wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Pommard terroir. These wines are often noted for their depth, structure, and potential for aging, embodying the rugged and powerful style typical of the region.
Unique to Launay Horiot is the parcel-by-parcel vinification approach, which respects the distinct identities of each plot. This precision in handling small vineyard segments helps in crafting distinctly expressive and terroir-driven wines, often making use of traditional winemaking methods, such as natural yeast fermentations and moderate use of new oak to allow the purity of the fruit and the terroir to shine through.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Launay Horiot's wines are renowned for their sophistication and layered complexity, typified by vibrant flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, enhanced by nuanced aromatic undertones of tobacco and cedar. The pronounced acidity underpins the firm tannins and contributes significantly to the wines’ excellent potential for aging. These characteristics come together to create a full-bodied and elegant wine profile, celebrated for both its power and finesse.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At the core of Launay Horiot's approach to winemaking is a deep respect for the unique characteristics of their terroir, marrying traditional practices with modern innovations to best express this distinctiveness. The estate is committed to sustainable and organic viticultural practices, emphasizing the health and balance of the vineyard as integral to producing high-quality grapes. This includes meticulous hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting, which ensures that only the best grapes are used, focusing on producing a limited quantity of wine with exceptional quality.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Launay Horiot's meticulous attention to vineyard management greatly influences the style and quality of their wines. The careful selection and cultivation of the vineyard plots contribute to the unique mineral and fruit qualities evident in the wine. The use of carefully controlled fermentation processes and aging in French oak barrels enriches the complexity and texture of the wines. These practices not only enhance the distinctive characteristics of each varietal but also ensure the wines possess both immediate appeal and longevity. This comprehensive approach results in wines that are not only powerful and structured but are also celebrated for their depth, elegance, and distinctive expression of Burgundian terroir.
Reputation
Launay Horiot is a relatively smaller and perhaps lesser-known wine producer compared to some of the giant names in Burgundy, but it has rapidly established a reputation for producing exquisite wines. The domaine is located in Pommard, in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, France, an area renowned for its deep, robust red wines primarily made from Pinot Noir.
The reputation of Launay Horiot is built on several unique aspects:
1. Heritage and Revival: The winery was revitalized by Xavier Horiot, a former fighter pilot, who took over the family estate in 2013. The vineyards have deep roots stretching back to his ancestors, notably his grandfather, Raymond Launay. This blend of deep historical roots and new energy and techniques adds to the mystique and allure of their wines.
2. Limited Production: Launay Horiot focuses on a small-scale, artisanal approach to wine production, which strictly controls the quality of the wine. Each plot and parcel of land is given individual attention, ensuring the distinctiveness of each vintage.
3. Exceptional Terroir: The area's terroir – featuring a mix of limestone and clay soils – is especially conducive to growing Pinot Noir grapes that exhibit a variety of complex flavors and aromatic profiles. The particular attention to terroir specificity enhances the prestige and uniqueness of their wines.
4. Innovative Practices: While respecting traditional methods, Xavier Horiot also embraces innovative practices in both the vineyard and the cellar. This includes meticulous canopy management and soil work, alongside a judicious use of new oak in vinification to preserve the fruit purity and expressiveness of the terroir.
5. Acclaim and Awards: Since its inception under Xavier's direction, the domaine has quickly gathered acclaim from wine critics and connoisseurs. This recognition boosts its reputation and positions it as a noteworthy producer to watch in Burgundy.
The fusion of historic lineage with innovative modern practices, coupled with a commitment to quality and terroir expression, are key contributors to the prestige of Launay Horiot. This makes their wines not just products of their region but also distinct expressions of a family's heritage and a winemaker's passion.
Final Thoughts
Launay Horiot, a noteworthy wine producer based in Pommard, Burgundy, distinguishes itself through an impressive commitment to terroir-driven expressions and a meticulous attention to detail in viticulture and winemaking processes. Founded by Xavier Horiot, the estate stands out for its revival of historically significant vineyards, including those inherited from his family. Their focus on limited intervention in the vineyard and winery ensures that each bottle reflects the unique characteristics of the site. Notable for their holdings in some of Pommard's most prestigious premier cru vineyards like Les Rugiens and Les Chaponnières, Launay Horiot has quickly garnered critical acclaim since its first vintage in 2013. The producer’s dedication to producing wines that are both powerful and graceful has helped redefine the potential of Pommard wines, attracting attention from wine enthusiasts and critics alike around the globe.