Cabernet Sauvignon, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2018
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Introduction
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“La Chevalière,” or “the knight’s lady,” is a reference to “Mas La Chevalière,” literally the “farmhouse of the knight’s lady,” the Laroche winery in southern France that was created by Michel Laroche. Surrounded by a wall, just like the “clos” enclosures in Burgundy, Mas LaChevalière is a place of history and character where the “jardins à la française” offer a Mediterranean accent.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Pays d’Oc IGP (Indication Geographique Protegée)
- Viticulture: “Lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required); primarily cordon pruning with fruit thinning and high trellising in the vineyards
- Size: Purchased grapes, vineyard size varies based on source
- Vine Age: 20 years
- Density: 4,000 vines per hectare (1,600 vines per acre)
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Vintage Report
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A warm year in the Languedoc with heavy rainfall. The abundant rain in the spring prepared the plants for the intense summer sun. Following the July heat, maturation was held up somewhat, but August’s storms allowed any delays in growth to be overcome. A perfect state of maturity despite the high levels of pressure on plant health in the region, especially in the case of organic growing. A fairly early vintage, with a one-week shift compared to the previous year. An excellent vintage is predicted.
- Harvest Date(s): End of September
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Whole bunches pressed in pneumatic press under protective conditions, then settling at 12° to 15°C (53° to 59°F) for 24 hours; 12 days of fermentation
- Malolactic: 100% Malolactic Fermentation
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve maximum natural character, then bottled under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- RS: <2 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Dark ruby color
Aroma: Intense nose offering pungent black currant and subtle herbal tones
Taste: Intense fruit concentration laced with developed tannic structure; good intensity and nice, juicy mouthfeel
Aging Potential: 2 years
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