J.Laurens produces both Mauzac-dominated Blanquette de Limoux and Chardonnay-based Crémant de Limoux from their 30 hectares of sustainably-farmed vineyards, slightly to the south-west of Carcassone. The domaine was established by Champenois Michel Dervin in the 1980s, and since 2002, it has been owned by the locally-born entrepreneur Jacques Calvel. He has surrounded himself with an expert team led by winemaker Henri Albrus, and he has built the domaine's current reputation for outstanding sparkling wines.
The Limoux is extremely windy: the Vent Cers from the Atlantic and the warm Vent Narin from the Mediterranean blow through the vineyards, assisting the domaine's ‘reasoned agriculture’ approach to viticulture by whisking away moisture and preventing rot.
Domaine J.Laurens has been officially HVE3 certified since the beginning of 2021. In 2022 they began organic conversion in parts of their plots and this conversion is ongoing. Controlled low yields, selective manual harvesting, rapid transport of the grapes in perforated crates to avoid any oxidation, and non-aggressive pneumatic pressing ensure a healthy, high-quality harvest and very pure base sparkling wines.
Recognising the importance of protecting the environment and respecting biodiversity, Domaine J.Laurens has always been keen to reduce the negative effects of chemical treatments. It applies the principles of sustainable agriculture across its holdings and a qualified technician carefully observes its vineyards allowing treatments to be used only when absolutely necessary rather than systematically. When they are used, the treatments are chosen for being the least aggressive products available, e.g. using only organic fertilisers.