Tardieu Laurent
Summary
Tardieu Laurent is a family-run négociant based in Provence's Luberon region, producing approximately 80,000 bottles annually of Northern and Southern Rhône wines from carefully selected old-vine parcels across diverse granite, schist, and limestone terroirs. Their artisanal approach features intimate grower partnerships, hands-on vineyard management, and a distinctive two-stage oak aging protocol, with all wines bottled unfined and minimally filtered to preserve authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Tardieu Laurent was established in 1994 as a négociant operation by Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent. The partnership began with a shared vision to produce wines that authentically express the diverse terroirs of the Rhône Valley. By 1996, Michel Tardieu had assumed full control of the business, establishing the company headquarters in Lourmarin in the Luberon region of Provence.
Today, Tardieu Laurent operates as a family business with Michel Tardieu at the helm, joined by his son Bastien, who oversees winemaking operations, and his daughter Camille, who manages the commercial aspects of the business. This transition to the second generation occurred gradually throughout the 2010s, with both children having completed formal wine education and apprenticeships before joining the family enterprise.
The company has maintained its focus as a high-quality négociant, deliberately choosing not to purchase vineyards but instead building long-term relationships with growers throughout the Rhône Valley. This approach has allowed Tardieu Laurent to produce wines from the most distinguished appellations of both the Northern and Southern Rhône while maintaining consistent quality and stylistic integrity.
Vineyards & Wines
As a négociant, Tardieu Laurent does not own vineyards but sources fruit from carefully selected growers across the Rhône Valley. The company works with vineyard owners who maintain old vines, typically 40-80 years of age, in prime locations throughout the region's appellations. Michel Tardieu personally selects parcels based on their terroir expression and the quality-focused approach of the growers.
In the Northern Rhône, Tardieu Laurent produces wines from Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu. These wines primarily feature Syrah for reds and Viognier for whites, grown on the region's characteristic granite, schist, and limestone soils. The Southern Rhône portfolio includes wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Rasteau, among others, where Grenache typically forms the backbone of the blends, complemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other traditional varieties.
The company's production remains deliberately limited, with approximately 80,000 bottles produced annually across their range of appellations. This controlled scale allows for meticulous attention to each cuvée. Tardieu Laurent produces both red and white wines, with reds constituting about 85% of their total production.
Philosophy & Practice
Tardieu Laurent's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the authentic character of each appellation while maintaining a house style characterized by precision and purity. The company follows a consistent methodology across its range: grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then fully destemmed before fermentation. Extraction is gentle and carefully managed to avoid harsh tannins while capturing the full aromatic and structural potential of the fruit.
For aging, Tardieu Laurent employs a distinctive protocol using French oak barrels. Red wines typically spend their first year in new oak barrels, followed by a second year in one-year-old barrels. This approach aims to integrate oak influence while preserving fruit character and terroir expression. White wines generally see 8-10 months in oak with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) to develop texture and complexity.
The company maintains control throughout the production process, with all wines being bottled at their facility without fining and with minimal filtration. Michel and Bastien Tardieu work closely with their grower partners throughout the growing season, often providing guidance on harvest timing to ensure the fruit meets their quality standards.
Tardieu Laurent's approach represents a balance between tradition and precision, with a focus on creating wines that reflect both their origins and the family's winemaking philosophy. Their consistent methodology across diverse appellations has established a recognizable house style while respecting the distinct character of each terroir.