Chablis Grand Cru Les Bouguerots — 2020
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Introduction
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The western most grand cru of Chablis. The vineyard benefits from excellent south-facing exposure on a slope rich in calcareous stones. At the foot of the hill, the vineyard has a 6 inch layer of clay which allows water retention in summer, crucial to the balance of the fruit.
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Vineyard Profile
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In the heart of the Grand Cru, Domaine Laroche has 12.25 hectares (31 acres) of “Les Bouguerots” in the 15.85 hectares (39 acres) of the appellation.
- Viticulture: One man, one plot: There are more than 30 people who are dedicated to caring for the 90-plus hectares (222.39 acres) of Domaine Laroche vineyards, with each person responsible for only one plot. This tailor-made approach allows them to manage the vineyards with precision, speed and accuracy. Everyone at Domaine Laroche practices “lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required): The vineyard is plowed to aerate the soil and encourage development of the root system, as well as the organic life in the soil. Vines are pruned and trained by hand, with a strict pruning and debudding regimen. Leaf plucking occurs to aerate the canopy and avoid the development of botrytis, while trellising aerates the grapes and provides them with favorable exposure.
- Vine Age: 20+ years old
- Density: 5,880 vines per hectare (2,380 vines per acre); 10,000 vines per hectare (4,047 vines per acre) for younger vines; massal selection from Laroche old vines for the new plantings.
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Vintage Report
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Harvest 2020 started on August 25th. The harvest was impacted by drought, particularly the yields of certain plots that were well exposed to the sun
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Vinification
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Pressing: Whole bunches are collected in a pneumatic press, then 12-14 hours settling, depending on the results of tastings, at 12°-15°C in specially designed wide tanks which accelerate the natural settling process.
Fermentation: The must ferments for 3 weeks in 1 to 7 year old French oak barrels.
Maturation: 5 months aging in the same vessel as fermentation. The wine will then be blended and aged further in stainless steel tanks on fine lees for about 7 months depending on tastings.
Filtration: Minimal filtration is used to preserve and maximize the natural character of the wine
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Technical Information
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100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Extremely phenolic and powerful with a fruity charm. Grand Cru Les Bouguerots drinks best with five to eight years to show its full potential.
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