Chablis Saint Martin – 2011
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Vineyard Profile
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Cuvée Saint Martin is a blend of the best plots of Domaine Laroche in the Chablis appellation. All plots are located on Kimmeridgian soil with a west to northwest orientation. Thanks to the diverse nuances of these sources, they bring richness and complexity to the final cuvée.
- Definition: Saint Martin, the patron saint of Chablis, was a Roman cavalry officer who converted to Christianity, lived as a humble monk and was elected Bishop of Tours. After his death in 397, his body was brought back to the Abbey of Marmoutier in Tours, where his relics (his famous cloak, in particular) were kept. In 877, as the Normans were invading the Touraine, monks took his relics to Chablis to avoid destruction. Saint Martin’s relics were kept for a decade in the Obédiencerie, the prayer hall in the ninth-century monastery in the town of Chablis.
- Viticulture: Converting toward organic viticulture: 2010 is the first year of organic cultivation for these vineyards. Domaine Laroche will require four consecutive years of organic cultivation (one more year than EU regulations prescribe) before their viticulture will be considered 100% organic. Traditional Chablis pruning system with strict pruning and debudding. Trellising to aerate the canopy and leaf plucking to avoid compact canopy and avoid development of botrytis.
- Size: 63 hectares (155.68 acres)
- Vine Age: Average of 22 years
- Density: 6,700 vines/hectare (2,711 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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After a dry and cold winter, spring was unusually warm. This weather encouraged plant growth and fruit setting in perfect salubrious conditions for the fruit and vines. Significant effort has been made in the vineyards all the year through, and our organic approach of viticulture seems to have had a positive impact on the quality of the grapes. Wines have complex aromas of citrus with chalky minerality. Grape ripeness was achieved without any excess of weight or overripe aromas.
- Harvest Date(s): September 15-30
- Yields: 60 hl/ha (4.4 tons/acre)
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Vinification
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Pressing: Whole bunches in a pneumatic press, then 12 hours settling at 12°-15°C (53°-59°F) in specially designed wide tanks that accelerate the natural settling process
- Fermentation: 14 days at 17°C (62°F) in stainless steel
- Malolactic: 100%
- Aging: 8 months on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks; no barrel aging
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve the maximum natural character of the wine
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 25,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 12%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Pale gold color
Aroma: Intense with hints of ripe white fruit and spring blossoms
Taste: Ripe fruit flavors balanced by zesty acidity; finish is long, pungent and fruity, showing the minerality of the soil
Aging Potential: 5 years
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Images
Reviews
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2011 – 88 points – Vinous
“The 2011 Chablis Saint Martin is a soft, approachable wine to drink over the next few years. Almond, hazelnut and dried pear flavors inform the silky, mid-weight finish.”
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2011 – 88 points – The Wine Advocate
“Laroche’s 2011 Chablis Saint Martin…has plenty of depth…an excellent value in white Burgundy.”
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2011
Pale gold color; intense aromas with hints of ripe white fruit and spring blossoms; ripe fruit flavors balanced by zesty acidity; finish is long, pungent and fruity, showing the minerality of the soil.