Cabernet Sauvignon, IGP Pays d’Oc – 2011
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Introduction
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“De La Chevalière,” or “of the knight’s lady,” is a reference to “Mas La Chevalière” which is literally the “farmhouse of the knight’s lady,” the Laroche winery in southern France where this wine is produced.
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Vineyard Profile
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Béziers is located in the center of the Languedoc region, just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Mediterranean.
- Cultivation: “Lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required); cordon pruning, fruit thinning and high trellising in the vineyards
- Size: Purchased grapes, vineyard size varies based on source/location
- Vine Age: 10 years or more
- Soil: Varied, with chalk, marl and schist predominant
- Orientation: South and east
- Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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2011 was an excellent vintage in the South of France. Weather conditions were very fine, producing a high level of grape ripeness and exceptional balance of sugar and acidity. Cool temperatures at night in August and early September had a huge impact on the quality of aromas in the berries and, subsequently, in the wine. The wines will be very complex.
- Harvest Date(s): Mid-September
- Yields: 40 hl/ha (2.96 tons/acre)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 12 days at 26°-28°C (78°-82°F) in stainless-steel tanks with daily pump overs to increase skin contact and aerate the wine
- Malolactic: 100%
- Aging: 6 months in stainless steel, no barrel aging
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve maximum natural character
- Bottled: Under low pressure on a bottling line designed to protect quality
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Production (in cases): 3,333 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Dark ruby-red color
Aroma: Intense black fruit and spice aromas
Taste: Ripe cassis fruit combined with velvety tannins; a long and elegant finish
Aging Potential: 3 years
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