Lori
Haon
The Classifieds Miracle
Lori Haon was 23 years old, fresh from oenology studies in Burgundy, Alsace, and Champagne, looking for a modest 3-hectare vineyard to start his career. His father browsed Le Bon Coin (France's Craigslist), found a 15-hectare estate at a good price, and bought it immediately—telling Lori he could pay him back later [^115^][^117^].
Thus began the Domaine du Petit Oratoire in 2015. "I wasn't expecting to take over 15ha right away but was happy to rise to the challenge," Lori recalls. With help from his biodynamic uncle in Drôme and mentor Thierry Forestier, he transformed the abandoned vineyard into a thriving organic estate now spanning 19-23 hectares [^115^][^130^].
Aromatherapy & Concrete
Lori tends 13+ grape varieties across diverse terroirs: sandy soils with limestone bedrock, rare "lauzes blanches" (similar to Tavel), and unique Grés soils. He treats vines with homemade essential oils and herbal mixtures—aromatherapy precepts learned during his biodynamic conversion [^119^][^124^].
Vinification happens in concrete tanks—no carbonic maceration, no extreme extraction. Indigenous yeasts only. The result: "incredibly balanced cuvées that are light, fun, and (too) easy-drinking." Sulphur is rarely used, and if ever, in tiny doses [^122^][^124^].
Champagne Training
15 Hectares at 23
Organic Conversion
Frost, Mildew Losses
"Very Very Good"
The Survivor
First three vintages brought wild boar attacks, 80% frost loss, and 75% mildew loss. But Lori "often jokes that he's a survivor." The micro-climate of Valliguières—surrounded by mountains and river—offers protection from climate change extremes that plague neighboring regions [^115^][^119^].
Accidental Flor
"I didn't make it to sell," Lori says of Oxymore, a Chardonnay aged under flor. When the yeast developed (rare in southern France), he left it. "I do hope to be able to recreate the accident at least one more time in my life." Now it's a cult one-off cuvée [^119^].
Indigenous Champion
Lori champions Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan—indigenous varieties—while being pragmatic about Syrah's mildew resistance. In 2023's sodden vintage, he lost nearly all Grenache but saved Syrah, admitting "his appreciation for having plenty planted!" [^117^][^119^].
"What I love about biodynamics is that to spray the preparations, we have to do this on foot... It's a little bit like when a human talks with a psychologist: it helps with stress, the little things that we can't always see. We're in conversation."— On Walking the Vineyard
The Collection
From 1-liter glou-glou to oxidative accidents—Lori's wines capture the joyful, improvisational spirit of the new Gard [^117^][^119^][^122^].
Koalitre
Low-tannin, low-alcohol (10.5%) banger in a 1-liter bottle "because when it's this good then 75cl simply won't do." Hand-harvested Grenache and Cinsault, fermented in concrete with natural yeasts. Unfiltered, unfined, no sulfur. Aromas of currants and raspberry with explosive fruitiness [^122^].
T'as poussé le bouchon trop loin
"You've pushed the cork too far"—playful name for a serious blend. Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan. Pure blackcurrant fruit, bright and crunchy. A classic Rhône blend from a classic southern French vintage [^127^][^144^].
En Attendant les Copains
"Waiting for friends"—the 2023 adaptation shows Lori's resilience. After losing indigenous varieties to mildew, he infused surviving whole-bunch Grenache/Carignan with direct-press Syrah to disguise its dominance. Super fresh, gluggable, alive [^117^].
Oxymore
The happy accident. Chardonnay aged oxidatively under flor—a rare occurrence in the south of France. Pale amber, complex, nutty. Lori intended it as cellar wine for the team, but the flor development convinced him to release it as a one-off cuvée [^119^].
Hors Série
Lori's "love letter to Alsace." Pinot Noir and Riesling co-planted specifically for this cuvée. Four-day infusion for "very juicy wine with great acidity." Before Alsace studies, he couldn't drink high-acid wines; now he "really loves acidity." An homage to his training [^119^].
Sacha
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay blend. Pale amber, light and approachable. Shows Lori's willingness to play with color and category—"he likes to play fast and loose with distinctions between whites and reds" [^145^].