Tardieu-Laurent is one of the most highly acclaimed negociants in the Rhone region of France. Founded in the early 1990s in Lourmarin by close friends Michel Tardieu and Dominique Laurent, it is currently managed by Michel. Beginning with the first vintage in 1994, Tardieu-Laurent wines have garnered praise from both collectors and critics. One of the largest wine producing regions in France, soils in this area range from clay to gravel to sandy limestone. Predominantly featured throughout the appellation are the famous "galets,”-remnants from Alpine glaciers, these smooth, round pudding stones naturally retain heat and moisture. Tardieu-Laurent crafts approximately 17 wines each year, two-thirds of which are produced in southern Rhone. The remaining wines are produced in northern Rhone.