Domaine Laroque d’Antan

Domaine Laroque d’Antan is a singular family estate near Laroque des Arcs, at the heart of Cahors, run by the internationally acclaimed soil scientists Claude and Lydia Bourguignon and their son Emmanuel. The Bourguignon family is celebrated as the most famous and influential soil experts in the world, renowned for their pioneering work in restoring and protecting vineyard soils across France and beyond. Their expertise and vision are the driving force behind this remarkable project, which brings new life to a hillside that had lain untouched for 140 years.

A Legacy of Soil and Terroir

After decades advising the world’s top wine estates, Claude and Lydia Bourguignon decided to apply their philosophy directly, acquiring and reviving a historic, abandoned hillside in Cahors. Their approach is rooted in deep respect for the land, preserving the original structure of the soil and fostering biodiversity. The estate’s two hectares of high-density vineyards are planted on shallow, stony Kimmeridgian limestone, a terroir that imparts remarkable minerality and energy to the wines.

Exceptional Genetic Heritage

A unique hallmark of Domaine Laroque d’Antan is the exceptional provenance of its vine cuttings. The family sourced massal selections from some of the most famous and respected vignerons in France, including:

• Sauvignon Blanc from François Cotat, Alphonse Mellot, and the Vacheron family in Sancerre, Anne Vatan in Chavignol, and Dagueneau in Pouilly
• Sauvignon Gris from Elian Da Ros (Côtes du Marmandais) and Château Bellevue (Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion)
• Mauzac and Verdanelle from Robert Plageoles (Gaillac)
• Malbec (Côt), Cabernet Franc, Prunelard, Négrette, and Jurançon Noir from iconic growers in Cahors, Montlouis, Saint-Émilion, and the Loire, including Clos Rougeard and La Grange Tiphaine

This careful selection ensures a genetic diversity and authenticity rarely seen, directly connecting the vineyard to the heritage of France’s greatest wine regions.

Biodiversity and Minimal Intervention

The estate has been managed organically from inception and is certified organic since 2022, with a vision to transition toward biodynamics. The Bourguignons have restored ancient terraces, preserved old hedges and trees, and fostered a living ecosystem where sheep graze among the vines and wildlife thrives. All vineyard work is manual; grapes are handpicked and transported gently by donkey. In the cellar, winemaking is minimalist, using indigenous yeasts and no artificial additives, allowing the terroir’s voice to shine through.

Signature Wines

• Néphèle: A white blend of rare and forgotten varieties, reflecting the estate’s commitment to diversity and terroir.
• Nigrine: A Malbec-based red with historic local grapes, showcasing the depth and energy of the limestone soils.

Experience Domaine Laroque d’Antan

Domaine Laroque d’Antan stands as a living testament to the Bourguignon family’s passion and expertise, offering wines that are pure, expressive, and deeply rooted in the noble terroir of Cahors. Visitors are welcomed to discover a poetic landscape where ancient practices, scientific rigor, and the spirit of France’s greatest vignerons come together in every bottle.