The vineyard

The Laurant Habrard estate is situated in Gervans, a small village north of Tain l’Hermitage, right in the heart of the historic Crozes-Hermitage region known as the ‘northern’ part of the appellation. This part of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation is characterised by granite soil and beautiful, steep hillsides. 

Today, the Laurent Habrard estate comprises 16.63 hectares of vineyards, distributed as follows:

• CROZES-HERMITAGE RED: 12.50 ha
• CROZES-HERMITAGE WHITE: 2.50 ha
• SAINT-JOSEPH RED: 1.16 hectares
• HERMITAGE BLANC: 0.47 ha

The various terroirs of the Laurent Habrard estate

• CROZES-HERMITAGE: a quarter of the plots are located in the southern part of the appellation, consisting of thick layers of rounded pebbles from various glacial periods (Riss and Würm) mixed with red clay. The remaining plots are spread across the communes of Gervans, Crozes-Hermitage and Erôme. On granitic soils also covered with loess. And the presence of clay in the lowlands.
• HERMITAGE: limestone soil on colluvial deposits from the upper terraces of the Rhône, containing quartzite and, in places, crystalline limestone pebbles.
• SAINT-JOSEPH: granite slopes with shallow soil.

Organic farming, biodynamic practices

Despite the steep slopes, Laurent Habrard decided in 2008 to convert the entire vineyard to organic farming. This successful challenge is now complemented by the implementation of a number of biodynamic practices, such as spraying and composting. A few agroforestry trials and consideration of possible adaptations to climate change may, perhaps, help to mitigate its consequences in a few years’ time.

The Ethical Standards of the Laurent Habrard Estate

At the Laurent Habrard estate, respect is the defining characteristic. Respect for nature, respect for staff, respect for suppliers and respect for customers. And rather than just words, concrete actions are initiated and put into practice. Here are a few examples:

• Adjustment of the hourly wage for all seasonal workers
• The estate switched to organic farming 15 years ago
• Introduction of a biodynamic component
• Rainwater harvesting
• Photovoltaic system: 419,132 MWh generated, equivalent to a reduction of 293 tonnes of CO₂ emissions
• Planting hedges and trees amongst the vines
• Production of a rosé wine to give thanks to Nature, with proceeds donated to ASPAS to help create Wildlife Reserves
• Removal of unnecessary capsules
• Use of paper adhesive tape and compostable plastic film
• Introduction of a profit-sharing scheme enabling employees to share in a portion of the profits

(Source: Domaine Laurent Habrard)

A few photos of the Laurent Habrard estate